Payroll Manager (Global)

Cohere • San Francisco, CA

11d • Remote

About The Position

Cohere seeks a Payroll Manager to own and scale our global multi-country payroll operations across North America, Europe, and APAC. In this role you will be responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing as we continue to grow rapidly across jurisdictions. You will partner closely with Finance, People, Legal, and regional external providers to build a global payroll function . This is an opportunity for a hands-on, detail-oriented payroll leader who thrives in a high-growth environment, is comfortable navigating ambiguity, and can design scalable processes that support a distributed workforce. In this role you will manage: Payroll Operations Own end-to-end payroll processing for all global entities and employee populations, including full-time employees, contractors, and international transfers. Ensure timely and accurate payroll cycles (bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly) across multiple jurisdictions. Validate payroll inputs (compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, benefits, leave, etc.) and review calculations. Oversee payroll reconciliations and perform monthly payroll-related close activities (payroll-related journal entries, accruals, and variance analyses). Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from employees and internal stakeholders. Systems & Process Optimization: Lead process improvements to increase accuracy, scalability, and automation of payroll workflows. Partner with People Ops to transition and modernize our global HRIS and payroll systems including platform implementation. Develop and maintain robust documentation, including global playbooks, country-level SOPs, and integration maps to support future scale. Act as a subject matter expert for payroll system integrations with other platforms (e.g., accounting software, benefits administration). Implement and monitor KPIs to measure payroll process efficiency and accuracy. Compliance & Controls Ensure compliance with local tax regulations, and statutory reporting requirements across supported countries. Maintain and enhance internal controls over payroll, including segregation of duties, approvals, documentation standard. Manage audits (financial, tax, and internal) requiring payroll support. Stay current on global payroll legislation changes and coordinate implementation of required updates. Conduct periodic internal audits and risk assessments to identify control gaps. External Vendor Management Manage relationships with global payroll providers, PEOs, and local in-country partners. Evaluate vendor performance and partner on RFP efforts with Procurement.

Requirements

• 6–10 years of progressive payroll experience.
• 3+ years of experience managing global payroll across multiple countries.
• CPP, CPA, or similar certification.
• Expertise in US and Canadian payroll compliance.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, including payroll accruals, reconciliations, and month-end close processes.
• Proven experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems and process improvements.
• Deep attention to detail, high ownership, and an ability to operate in a fast-paced, scaling environment.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting with colleagues at all levels.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with EMEA/APAC payroll jurisdictions is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for all global entities and employee populations, including full-time employees, contractors, and international transfers.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll cycles (bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly) across multiple jurisdictions.
• Validate payroll inputs (compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, benefits, leave, etc.) and review calculations.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations and perform monthly payroll-related close activities (payroll-related journal entries, accruals, and variance analyses).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from employees and internal stakeholders.
• Lead process improvements to increase accuracy, scalability, and automation of payroll workflows.
• Partner with People Ops to transition and modernize our global HRIS and payroll systems including platform implementation.
• Develop and maintain robust documentation, including global playbooks, country-level SOPs, and integration maps to support future scale.
• Act as a subject matter expert for payroll system integrations with other platforms (e.g., accounting software, benefits administration).
• Implement and monitor KPIs to measure payroll process efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations, and statutory reporting requirements across supported countries.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over payroll, including segregation of duties, approvals, documentation standard.
• Manage audits (financial, tax, and internal) requiring payroll support.
• Stay current on global payroll legislation changes and coordinate implementation of required updates.
• Conduct periodic internal audits and risk assessments to identify control gaps.
• Manage relationships with global payroll providers, PEOs, and local in-country partners.
• Evaluate vendor performance and partner on RFP efforts with Procurement.

Benefits

• An open and inclusive culture and work environment
• Work closely with a team on the cutting edge of AI research
• Weekly lunch stipend, in-office lunches & snacks
• Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget to take care of your mental health
• 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months
• Personal enrichment benefits towards arts and culture, fitness and well-being, quality time, and workspace improvement
• Remote-flexible, offices in Toronto, New York, San Francisco, London and Paris, as well as a co-working stipend
• 6 weeks of vacation (30 working days!)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees