Global payroll manager

Watershed

1d•$166,500 - $190,000

About The Position

Watershed is hiring its first dedicated payroll leader to own payroll end to end and build the processes, controls, and automation needed to support growth across headcount and geographies. The role runs payroll for US and UK entities and oversees in-country payroll in Mexico and payroll through employer-of-record (EOR) partners. It combines hands-on day-to-day operations with building and scaling the payroll function, and partners closely with People Ops, Accounting, Legal, and Revenue Operations. The payroll leader will be the company-wide point of contact for payroll questions and will use AI and automation to streamline workflows while applying judgment about where human oversight is necessary. The role includes establishing payroll documentation, calendars, checklists, standard operating procedures, and controls; hiring and developing a team as the function grows; and leading the payroll aspects of expansion into new geographies. Responsibilities span payroll processing and administration, provider and EOR oversight, payroll systems and general-ledger integration, compliance, variable and equity compensation processes, reconciliations, and audit support. Employees with office-based roles are expected to work from an office four days per week. The description says certain jobs may be remote when specifically noted; this role is not identified as remote. Watershed has hub offices in San Francisco, New York, London, and Mexico City, and satellite offices in Denver, Sydney, Paris, and Berlin.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in payroll, or in finance or accounting with substantial global payroll ownership.
Hands-on US and UK payroll experience.
Experience working with an EOR or PEO to cover countries without a local entity.
Hands-on experience with Rippling, including payroll-to-general-ledger integrations.
Ability to partner closely with HR, Accounting, Revenue Operations, and external providers to keep payroll accurate and on time.
Familiarity with commission and variable pay structures and equity compensation payroll mechanics, including withholding and reporting on option exercises and RSU vesting.
Comfort with journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and closing out one’s own work.
Strong attention to detail, Excel, data, and report-building skills, and practical experience using AI tools to reduce manual effort.
Ability and interest to build structure and controls where none exist, while working hands-on and leading others.
Ability to explain payroll clearly to non-experts across time zones, with sound judgment regarding confidentiality and escalation.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP), or equivalent certification.
Willingness to work from an office four days per week, except for remote roles.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Mexico, Australia, or Germany payroll.

Responsibilities

Build the global payroll function, including documentation, processes, calendars, checklists, standard operating procedures, and controls; hire and develop a team as the function grows; and lead payroll aspects of expansion into new geographies.
Own end-to-end global payroll, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, bonuses, commissions, and leave pay; handle complex payroll issues and employee pay questions.
Manage in-country payroll providers and EOR partners across multiple countries, validate inputs and outputs, assess long-term payroll models by country, and evaluate payroll tools and providers based on accuracy, cost, and risk.
Own payroll configuration in Rippling and maintain clean payroll data flows to the general ledger, using AI and workflow automation to reduce manual work.
Administer deductions and retirement contributions, including 401(k) remittances, and reconcile plan contributions with the plan administrator.
Maintain compliance with payroll taxes, wages, and statutory requirements in the US and UK, including registrations, filings, year-end reporting, and responses to tax authority notices.
Support financial statement, statutory, and 401(k) plan audits by preparing documentation and responding to auditors.
Administer sales commissions and other variable pay with Revenue Operations to ensure accurate, timely payment.
Support equity-related payroll processes, including withholding and reporting for option exercises and vesting events, in coordination with Legal and Carta.
Partner with Accounting on payroll journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close, with the goal of bringing payroll accounting into the payroll function over time.
Partner with People Ops on hires, terminations, leaves, and compensation changes to ensure accurate data flows into payroll.