Senior Manager, Payroll

Asana • San Francisco, CA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Asana is seeking a strategic and hands-on Senior Manager, Payroll to lead its US and Canada payroll function. The role serves as Asana’s payroll subject matter expert, ensuring continuity, compliance, and scalable processes during a period of growth, while empowering and developing the payroll team. It is based in the San Francisco office with an office-centric hybrid schedule. Standard in-office days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; work-from-home arrangements on Wednesday and Friday depend on the role and team requirements.

The position leads multi-state US and Canada payroll operations, maintains compliance and internal controls, supports payroll accounting and close activities, and collaborates with teams across the company and external providers. It also contributes to M&A activities and international expansion. The role calls for both strategic leadership and close involvement in day-to-day execution.

Requirements

• Progressive leadership experience in payroll management, including direct people management and team development.
• Deep experience leading payroll operations and SOX compliance within a publicly traded company environment.
• Deep functional expertise in multi-state US and Canada payroll regulations, payroll accounting, and internal controls.
• Proven ability to operate strategically while remaining close to day-to-day execution.
• Exceptional communication skills and demonstrated ability to build cross-functional trust and resolve conflict constructively.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Curiosity about AI tools and emerging technologies, with willingness to learn and use them to enhance productivity, collaboration, or decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with enterprise systems such as Workday, ADP, or NetSuite.
• CPP certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead accurate and timely processing of multi-state US and Canada payrolls and ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and provincial regulations.
• Serve as Asana’s primary subject matter expert and resource for complex payroll matters.
• Maintain and strengthen payroll processes, automation, SOX controls, payroll policies, and internal audit readiness.
• Keep payroll documentation, procedures, and internal controls current and audit-ready.
• Partner with Accounting on payroll reconciliations, accruals, journal entries, and month-end close activities.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and external payroll providers to support operations, M&A activities, and international expansion.
• Manage payroll vendors and external service relationships.
• Empower, mentor, and develop the payroll team through open, compassionate communication and proactive knowledge sharing.

Benefits

• Mental health, wellness, and fitness benefits.
• Career coaching and support.
• Inclusive family-building benefits.
• Long-term savings or retirement plans.
• In-office culinary options to cater to dietary preferences.
• Compensation package may include equity; benefits and compensation components may vary by role, country, and local regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior