Sr. Manager, Payroll

OpenGov•San Francisco, CA

1d•$162,000 - $221,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Payroll owns end-to-end U.S. payroll and is accountable for its accuracy, completeness, and compliance across every jurisdiction where OpenGov employs people. This leader sets the long-term direction for payroll operations by documenting processes, strengthening controls, and improving systems and automation so payroll can scale with the business before additional headcount is added. The role supervises the lead payroll specialist and collaborates with Finance, Accounting, HR, Enterprise Applications & Engineering, and Legal. It may expand over time to include equity administration. This is an in-office position in San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, or Boston.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
At least 8 years of U.S. payroll experience, including at least 3 years managing payroll staff.
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment requirements and multi-state payroll tax.
Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll and ADP SmartCompliance.
Exceptional attention to detail and a record of delivering accurate, complete payroll on tight deadlines.
Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, including complex formulas and analysis of large datasets.
Sound judgment and a bias for action, including spotting issues early, escalating them promptly with a proposed resolution, and driving them to closure.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a record of working cross-functionally.
Discretion in handling confidential employee information.
Comfort using AI-native tools to accelerate workflows and improve efficiency.
Ability to work in an office in San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, or Boston.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
Experience designing payroll controls and supporting internal or external audits.
Experience improving payroll processes through automation while maintaining accuracy and control.
Experience with equity compensation (RSU) payroll tax and reporting.
Experience in a SaaS or technology company, including integrating payroll for acquired companies.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end U.S. payroll processing, ensuring each payroll is accurate, complete, timely, and compliant with federal, state, and local requirements.
Manage payroll tax compliance across jurisdictions, resolve compliance issues, process adjustments, and drive audits to completion with federal, state, and local authorities.
Partner with HR on 401(k), HSA, and FSA administration, ensuring employee and employer contributions are calculated correctly and remitted on time; process deductions accurately and in compliance with legal requirements.
Provide tax information and withholding calculations for RSU settlements and, over time, take on RSU settlement administration in partnership with Accounting and Legal.
Manage quarterly and year-end employment tax reporting, including W-2, 1099, Form 940/941 filings, and state and local returns.
Own payroll general ledger reconciliations and support month-end close with Accounting; oversee payroll-related audits such as 401(k) and workers’ compensation audits.
Design, document, and maintain payroll controls, including review and approval steps, reconciliations, and checks for completeness and accuracy across spreadsheets and systems; keep the function ready for internal and external audits.
Improve payroll processes and systems, using automation where it strengthens accuracy and efficiency so the function can scale before headcount is added.
Supervise and develop the lead payroll specialist.