Senior Payroll Accountant

Databricks Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks Inc. is seeking a Senior Payroll Accountant to drive day-to-day and month-end payroll accounting for a global scope. You will prepare payroll entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analyses while coordinating with cross-functional teams across time zones.

The role emphasizes equity compensation accounting, multi-jurisdiction tax handling, and collaboration with the Payroll Operations team to streamline processes using cloud-based systems and automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance required.
• 6–8 years general accounting, at least 4+ years payroll-focused.
• CA or CPA equivalent strongly preferred.
• Experience with equity compensation accounting (RSUs, stock options, ESPP) a plus.
• Experience supporting annual statutory audits and cross-team collaboration across time zones.
• Exposure to high-complexity jurisdictions (NL, BR, FR, DE, IN) a plus.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based accounting systems and US GAAP.
• Interest in automation/AI in payroll or accounting operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare payroll journal entries for salaries, bonuses, commissions, equity comp, and multi-state/international taxes.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations and resolve variances.
• Perform monthly payroll flux analysis and investigate major movements.
• Account for equity compensation programs and reconcile with GL.
• Handle payroll accounting across global entities and complex jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with Payroll Operations to fix discrepancies between payroll and GL.
• Support audits and maintain SOPs; assist with new international subsidiaries.

Skills

Payroll accounting

US GAAP

Equity compensation

Automation & AI

Variance analysis

Cloud-based systems

Education

BA/BS in Economics, Business Administration, Accounting or Finance

Tools

Cloud-based accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

We're building a finance function that stays ahead of the curve — leveraging AI, automation, and modern tooling to operate at the pace Databricks demands. The Senior Payroll Accountant plays a critical role in executing the day-to‑day and month‑end accounting tasks associated with Databricks' global payroll. As part of the Global Accounting organization and reporting directly to the Payroll Accounting Manager based in India, you will tackle complex reconciliations, execute detailed variance analysis, and drive process improvements. The ideal candidate is a highly analytical self-starter with a keen eye for detail who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

The impact you will have:

• Prepare and record comprehensive payroll journal entries, including salaries, bonuses, commissions, stock-based compensation, benefits, and multi-state/international taxes.
• Prepare accurate monthly balance sheet reconciliations for assigned accounts, proactively identifying and resolving any variances or discrepancies within the close period.
• Perform monthly payroll flux analysis, identifying and investigating drivers behind significant period-over-period movements.
• Prepare payroll accounting for equity compensation programs such as RSUs, stock options, and ESPP, ensuring accurate recording, tax withholding treatment, and reconciliation between equity, payroll, and the general ledger.
• Execute payroll accounting across global entities, with exposure to high-complexity jurisdictions, including Netherlands, Brazil, France, Germany, and India, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and local compliance.
• Partner closely with the Payroll Operations team to research and resolve discrepancies between the payroll register and the general ledger.
• Support annual local statutory audits, consolidated external audits, and internal SOX requests; help maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures (SOPs).
• Partner with the Manager and cross-functional teams (Legal, External Advisors) to set up accounting processes and systems for new international subsidiaries and locations.
• Lead testing and implementation of updates to cloud-based payroll and accounting systems; perform ad hoc financial analysis and drive process improvement projects to increase efficiency.
• Support AI and automation initiatives across payroll accounting, including reconciliation tooling, variance detection, and process improvements that reduce manual work.

What we look for:

• BA, BS Degree with a focus in Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance
• 6-8 years of general accounting experience, with a minimum of 4+ years dedicated specifically to payroll accounting
• Chartered Accountant (CA) or CPA equivalent certification is strongly preferred.
• Experience with equity compensation accounting (RSUs, stock options, ESPP) is a plus
• Experience supporting annual statutory audits and the partnership skills necessary to collaborate effectively with local and remote teams across various time zones
• Exposure to global payroll jurisdictions, particularly high-complexity countries such as Netherlands, Brazil, France, Germany, and India, is a plus
• Hands‑on experience with cloud‑based accounting systems and a strong working knowledge of US GAAP
• Hands‑on experience or strong interest in driving automation and AI adoption in payroll or accounting operations
• Proven experience partnering with local accounting teams to file statutory accounts and the flexibility to support remote teams across different geographic areas, including with US‑based accounting teams

About Databricks

Databricks is the data and AI company. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide — including Comcast, Condé Nast, Grammarly, and over 50% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to unify and democratize data, analytics and AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark™, Delta Lake and MLflow. To learn more, follow Databricks on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click here.

If access to export‑controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.