Senior Manager of Payroll and Equity

Handshake; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 184,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Handshake is seeking a Senior Manager, Global Payroll and Equity to lead payroll operations and ensure compliance across multiple regions. This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, with a focus on process optimization and team development. Join a diverse team committed to building an inclusive culture.

Benefits

Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.

16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies.

Generous learning & development opportunities.

Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook.

Free lunch provided 3x a week.

401k Match up to $1,200 per year.

$500 home office stipend.

Flexible time off policy.

Lifestyle Savings Account of $500 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in multi-state and international payroll management.
• Proven track record of building payroll processes.
• Knowledge of payroll, equity, and related taxes legislation in the US and Europe.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll processing for 600+ employees in US, Canada, and Europe.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement global payroll policies and procedures.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Workday

Carta

Netsuite

Job description

Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.

Your impact:

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager, Global Payroll and Equity to join our Accounting team and support Handshakes continued growth. In this role, you will lead all aspects of global payroll operations, including ensuring accurate and timely processing, maintaining compliance with international and domestic regulations, and driving cross-functional collaboration. You will play a critical role in leading and developing the team, with an eye toward process optimization and transformation.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and possesses strong analytical and communication skills. They thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and bring a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to their work.

Your role:

• Oversee payroll processing timely and accurately for 600+ employees located in the US, Canada and Europe

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including periodic filings

• Timely address employees inquiries on payroll related matters. Build SLAs and standard operating procedures for payroll helpdesk

• Maintain payroll accounting entries and reconciliations, collaborate with the accounting team on payroll aspects of the month close and annual financial reporting

• Oversee equity administration, reporting and regulatory filings

• Develop and implement global payroll policies and procedures to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements

• Own relationships with consultants and third-party vendors supporting payroll preparation, employee benefits and compliance

• Collaborate with People and other teams to ensure seamless integration of payroll processes

• Develop payroll team to support expanding operations through hiring, training and supporting junior payroll team members

• Research compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including tax laws and employment standards

• Maintain confidentiality and oversee sensitive information with discretion

Your experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in multi-state and international payroll management in a fast paced high growth environment

• Proven track record of building payroll processes and implementing systems supporting payroll, employee benefits and equity administration

• Deep knowledge of payroll accounting and reconciliations, hands on experience with month end close process

• Ability to conduct research on payroll and tax rules, through identifying key areas to address and leveraging third party vendors where appropriate

• Knowledge of payroll, equity and related taxes legislation in the US and Europe, related compliance requirements

• Solid analytical and organizational skills, with great attention to detail

• Proficiency in payroll software and systems, such as Workday, Carta, Netsuite

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• Certification in payroll management, such as FPC or CPP preferred

Compensation range

• $184,000 - $230,000

For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

About us

Handshake is the career platform for Gen Z. With a community of over 17 million students, alumni, employers, and career educators, Handshake’s network is where career advice and discovery turn into first, second, and third jobs. Nearly 1 million companies use Handshake to build their future workforce—from Fortune 500 to federal agencies, school districts to startups, healthcare systems to small businesses. Handshake is built for where you’re going, not where you’ve been.

When it comes to our workforce strategy, we’ve thought deeply about how work-life should look at Handshake. With our hybrid-work model, employees benefit from collaboration and shared team experiences three days per week in our vibrant offices, and enjoy the flexibility of remote work two days per week (unless noted in the specific job posting). Handshake is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York, London, and Berlin.

What we offer

At Handshake, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

Benefits below apply to US employees in full-time positions.

• Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.
• 16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents & 10 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birth giving parents.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies including LGTBQ+ Coverage. We also provide resources for Mental Health Assistance, Employee Assistance Programs and counseling support.
• Generous learning & development opportunities and an annual $2,000 stipend for you to grow your skills and career.
• Financial coaching through Origin to help you through your financial journey.
• Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook to allow you to do your best work.
• Monthly commuter stipend for you to expense your travel to the office (for office-based employees).
• Free lunch provided 3x a week across all offices.
• Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.

• 401k Match: Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
• All full-time US-based Handshakers are eligible for our flexible time off policy to get out and see the world. In addition, we offer 13 standardized holidays, and 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off. Lastly, we have a Winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off.
• Handshake offers $500 home office stipend for you to spend during your first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.
• Family support: Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly. We partner with Maven Clinic to provide a lifetime coverage up to $15K for expenses related to fertility and family forming!
• Lifestyle Savings Account: We offer you an annual stipend of $500 to use for purchases such as fitness classes, gym memberships, work-from-home setup, and more.

Looking for more? Explore our mission, values and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.

Handshake is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation, please let your recruiter know during initial communications.