Payroll Lead

Hinge Health • San Francisco, CA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an accomplished Payroll Lead to join our Finance team at Hinge Health. In this role, you will independently own end-to-end payroll operations in the US and internationally while driving process improvements and ensuring compliance excellence. You will report to the Sr. Manager, Equity & Payroll, and serve as a subject matter expert working closely with cross-functional teams, including People, Benefits, HR Technology, Equity, Tax, and Accounting. This role is essential for leading complex payroll workstreams, mentoring team members, and ensuring timely completion of critical payroll reporting deadlines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years' experience processing payroll in a high-growth environment
• Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end multi-state and international payroll operations
• Deep understanding of taxing authorities, government regulations, and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to independently lead complex payroll workstreams and projects with minimal guidance
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and follow-up skills; highly detail-oriented with a track record of accuracy
• Experience working in a high-growth, fast-paced environment with the ability to manage ambiguity
• Ability to perform duties in a timely manner to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality
• Proactive, collaborative work style with demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills - proficiency in v-lookup/x-lookup, pivot tables, and complex formulas

Nice To Haves

• Expert-level knowledge and experience with Workday, ADP, and Empower
• Experience leading Workday system configuration and optimization projects
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification or working toward certification
• Experience processing payroll in a publicly traded company, including understanding of equity compensation and SOX compliance
• Deep knowledge of payroll responsibilities for equity compensation (stock options, RSUs, ESPP), including tax implications and reporting requirements
• Experience mentoring or training junior payroll team members
• Demonstrated track record of driving process improvements and implementing automation in payroll operations

Responsibilities

• Independently own and execute semi-monthly and bi-weekly payrolls in Workday for 1500+ employees across different entities in the US and Canada with minimal oversight
• Lead complex payroll projects including system upgrades, process optimization initiatives, and integration of new payroll-related systems
• Calculate and prepare off-cycle payrolls and proactively identify potential issues before they impact employees
• Drive process improvements by identifying inefficiencies in payroll workflows and implementing scalable solutions
• Audit new hires and process terminations; own reconciliation of payroll variances and supporting documentation
• Manage and optimize 401(k) fundings in Empower, ensuring accuracy and proper recording while identifying opportunities for automation
• Serve as the go-to resource for resolving complex payroll processing exceptions and escalations
• Lead employee communications related to payroll inquiries, proactively addressing concerns and providing clear guidance
• Partner strategically with HR operations, accounting, equity, and HR Tech teams to align on policies and drive cross-functional initiatives
• Own end-to-end processing of garnishments, levies, withholding tax notices, child support, and unemployment insurance questionnaires
• Drive accuracy in auditing tax codes and setup between Workday and ADP, independently resolving discrepancies
• Own state registration strategy, including requesting new registrations as entities expand or renewals as registrations expire
• Lead quarterly tax audits and year-end W-2 reporting, ensuring compliance and accuracy
• Mentor and guide junior payroll team members, sharing best practices and providing technical support
• Champion equity compensation processing including RSUs, ISOs, NQs, and ESPP with a deep understanding of calculations and tax implications
• Lead ad hoc reporting, audits, and special projects that support strategic Finance and People initiatives

Benefits

• Inclusive healthcare and benefits: On top of comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, we offer employees and their family members help with gender-affirming care, tools for family and fertility planning, and travel reimbursements if healthcare isn't available where you live.
• Planning for the future: Start saving for the future with our traditional or Roth 401k retirement plan options which include a 2% company match.
• Modern life stipends: Manage your own learning and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees