About the Payroll Manager Role

Robert Half is thrilled to partner with a dynamic, hypergrowth company in Palo Alto, California, to find an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead their equity and payroll operations. This is a 5-month+ contract position with strong potential for extension or conversion to permanent, offering a hybrid schedule (1 day per week in-office, 4 days remote). As Payroll Manager, you will oversee complex equity transactions including RSUs and ESPPs for a large, multi-state workforce exceeding 800 employees, while ensuring strict compliance with federal, state, and international regulations. This role demands a seasoned professional with deep expertise in global payroll processing, tax reporting, and equity administration for high-growth tech environments. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this opportunity places you at the forefront of innovative payroll solutions for a forward-thinking organization. Join Robert Half's network of top talent and elevate your career in payroll management today.

Why This Role Stands Out

In Palo Alto's competitive job market, this Payroll Manager position offers unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge equity compensation strategies and international payroll challenges. With ADP Workforce Now at the core of operations, you'll manage high-volume transactions with precision, making a direct impact on employee satisfaction and regulatory compliance. Perfect for Payroll Managers seeking hybrid flexibility and career advancement in California's Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities

The Payroll Manager will drive operational excellence across all payroll functions. Core duties include:

• Ensuring full compliance with evolving payroll regulations, tax reporting, and filings across federal, state, and international jurisdictions.
• Overseeing accurate equity calculations, RSU vesting, ESPP enrollments, and restricted stock transactions with timely processing.
• Coordinating seamless payroll operations via ADP Workforce Now, integrating with other HR and financial systems.
• Supervising manual payroll adjustments, discrepancy resolutions, and off-cycle payments to minimize errors.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Legal teams to streamline global payroll for U.S. and international employees.
• Conducting regular payroll audits, data monitoring, and reconciliations to uphold accuracy and audit-readiness.
• Developing and implementing best practices for multi-state payroll, scaling processes for hypergrowth.
• Supporting year-end W-2, 1099, and international tax reporting with meticulous reconciliation.
• Efficiently resolving employee inquiries on payroll, equity grants, and tax withholdings.
• Managing payroll for 800+ employees across multiple states, adapting to rapid workforce expansion.

Required Qualifications

To excel as our Payroll Manager, candidates must possess:

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in payroll administration, with specific expertise in equity compensation (RSUs, ESPPs) for hypergrowth companies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in U.S. and international payroll, including tax compliance for global workforces.
• Advanced knowledge of ADP Workforce Now; experience with additional tools like Workday or UKG is a plus.
• Proven ability to handle high-volume, complex equity transactions and multi-state tax filings.
• Strong analytical skills for auditing payroll data, resolving discrepancies, and forecasting payroll liabilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for partnering with diverse internal stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred; relevant certifications (e.g., CPP, FPC) highly valued.
• Adaptability to hybrid work in Palo Alto, CA, with occasional travel for multi-state coordination.

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Why Join Us

Partnering with Robert Half means accessing premier opportunities in Palo Alto's thriving tech ecosystem. Enjoy a competitive hourly rate around $70/hour (equivalent to $120K-$160K annually), hybrid flexibility, and Robert Half's unmatched benefits package including health coverage, 401(k) matching, and professional development. This role offers immediate impact, skill expansion in equity payroll, and pathways to permanent positions. With our expertise in HR and finance staffing, Robert Half connects top Payroll Managers to hypergrowth companies driving innovation. Apply now to secure your spot in this high-demand Payroll Manager role and advance your career in California's premier job market. Don't miss out—Palo Alto payroll careers are booming!