Own the end-to-end execution of global payroll processing and deliver accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll results across multiple regions, entities, and pay frequencies.
Build, lead, and continuously develop a world-class payroll operations organization, including both internal teams and outsourced partners, setting a high bar for performance, accountability, and operational excellence.
Act as the operational authority for payroll, accountable for the integrity of all employee pay data across multiple systems.
Serve as the payroll lead for mergers and acquisitions, including transition payrolls, compliance, and system administration.
Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve payroll issues, applying strong judgment and root-cause analysis to eliminate recurrence and reduce operational risk.
Design and build OpenAI’s payroll support operating model, including case workflows, intake channels, escalation paths, service-level agreements, and quality standards, delivering a high-trust employee payroll experience.
Build strategic partnerships with HR, Finance, Accounting, and other cross-functional teams to ensure global data integrity and accurate downstream reporting.
Build and maintain a robust control environment, including process documentation, approvals, reconciliations, and audit-ready evidence to support internal and external reviews.
Continuously re-architect payroll workflows using automation and AI-powered tools to drive improvements in speed, accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Requirements

10+ years of experience leading global payroll operations, preferably in a fast-paced and high-growth environment.
Strong working knowledge of global payroll regulations, tax requirements, and standard payroll practices with an expert level understanding of US federal, state, and local payroll compliance.
Hands-on experience with Workday or other large HCM/payroll systems; ADP SmartCompliance and global payroll platform experience is a plus.
The ability to autonomously manage multiple strategic priorities simultaneously, taking full ownership of outcomes, and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience working with or managing BPO/vendor relationships is strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. CPP certification is a plus.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

global payroll processingpayroll complianceroot-cause analysispayroll workflowsautomationAI-powered toolstax requirementspayroll practicesHCM systemsADP SmartCompliance

Soft Skills

leadershipanalytical skillsproblem-solvingattention to detailcommunication skillsstrategic prioritizationownershipcollaborationoperational excellenceaccountability

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in FinanceBachelor's degree in AccountingBachelor's degree in HRCPP certification