Senior Payroll Manager

Kiteworks; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical plan

100% paid Dental and Vision coverage

401k match program

Stock equity options

PTO & holidays

Volunteer days off

Job summary

A leading tech company is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to oversee payroll processing and reporting at their San Mateo, CA office. This hybrid position requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in ADP Workforce Now, and a minimum of 7 years of payroll experience. Responsibilities include managing payroll inquiries, ensuring compliance, and leading audits. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and will be proactive in improving processes. Competitive benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and stock options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of payroll experience with ownership of complex processes.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve payroll issues.
• Strong understanding of payroll operations, accounting principles, and federal/state regulations.
• Experience managing equity compensation processes (stock options).
• Knowledge of internal controls and process improvements.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee semi-monthly payroll using ADP Workforce Now.
• Manage ADP Time & Attendance system.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee payroll inquiries.
• Lead payroll-related audits and manage year-end processes.
• Develop and enhance payroll policies, controls, and compliance documentation.
• Perform monthly payroll close, accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Coordinate year-end processes and W-2 preparation with tax authorities.
• Lead international payroll consolidation and audits as needed.
• Collaborate with Corporate Controller on special projects.

Skills

Payroll processing

Data analysis

Customer service

Project management

Communication skills

Equity compensation

Carta

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Carta

Job description

Overview

Job Description The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll processing and reporting, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This role owns the payroll process end-to-end and plays a critical role in strengthening internal controls and driving continuous process improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and collaborative, with a strong commitment to building effective partnerships across Finance, HR, and other key stakeholders. This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday at our San Mateo, CA headquarters.

What You'll Do

• Oversee and process semi-monthly U.S. payroll using ADP Workforce Now, including retroactive adjustments, commissions, bonuses, new hires, terminations, and employee equity-related compensation, ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations.
• Administer and manage the ADP Time & Attendance system, ensuring accuracy and alignment with payroll processing.
• Maintain and report on global headcount data, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, delivering a high level of customer service and timely issue resolution.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance documentation.
• Perform monthly payroll close activities, including payroll-related accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Maintain global bonus accrual schedules; prepare and record accrual and payout journal entries; and coordinate closely with payroll and accounting teams across international entities.
• Manage year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation, annual payroll reconciliations, and submission of required wage reports to federal, state, and local agencies.
• Act as the liaison for international payroll processing, with demonstrated experience consolidating multi-country payrolls into a unified platform.
• Lead payroll-related audits, including 401(k) audits and other internal or external payroll compliance audits.
• Manage monthly reconciliations and accruals for PTO, payroll taxes, and payroll-related liabilities.
• Handle payroll-related state registrations and compliance when new hires are added in new jurisdictions.
• Administer stock option and equity compensation systems, including recording related transactions in the ERP system.
• Prepare and manage year-end stock option reporting for U.S. and international entities.
• Partner with the Corporate Controller and Finance team to support special projects and provide general accounting and financial support as needed.

What You'll Bring With You

• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on payroll experience, with demonstrated ownership of complex payroll processes.
• Proven ability to identify payroll issues, discrepancies, and process improvement opportunities, and to resolve them accurately and in a timely manner.
• Highly analytical skill set with a strong working knowledge of payroll operations, accounting principles, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Advanced experience with ADP Workforce Now, including Payroll, Reporting, Time & Attendance, and HRB modules.
• Strong understanding of data workflows, internal controls, and root cause analysis.
• Strong administrative experience with equity compensation and stock plan administration, particularly using Carta or similar equity management platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex payroll concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience); Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification highly preferred.

The Values That Define Us

Execution

We deliver results with focus, ownership, and consistency. Our teams take initiative, solve challenges proactively, and continuously optimize how we work to create meaningful impact for our customers.

Transparency

We communicate openly and clearly, ensuring stakeholders have the information they need to make informed decisions. We foster a culture of trust, welcome feedback, and embrace accountability in everything we do.

Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of honesty and responsibility. Our teams act ethically, consistently honor commitments, and build trust through principled, reliable actions.

Benefits

• Base pay depends on many factors, such as location, education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Kiteworks competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
• Comprehensive Medical plan and 100% paid Dental and Vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• 100% paid Life/AD&D, STD and LTD coverage for employees
• Option of Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
• Generous paid time off (PTO) plus paid sick time, holidays, parental leave, and volunteer days off
• 401k match program
• Referral Bonuses
• Stock equity -- every employee is granted stock options when they walk in the door

Hiring Process

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Kiteworks is an equal-opportunity employer. We eagerly seek applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical abilities (or disability), age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In compliance with applicable law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work and to complete employment eligibility verification. Note: Our stewardship of the data of thousands of customers means that a criminal background check is required to join Kiteworks. Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. Kiteworks does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have an active, signed agreement with Kiteworks.