Payroll & Compliance Lead

What You’ll Be Doing: 

We’re seeking a dynamic Payroll & Compliance Lead to manage and optimize payroll operations in a fast-paced, multi-state environment. This role goes beyond processing payroll—it ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency while navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations. You'll play a key role in maintaining adherence to employment laws, labor standards, and company policies, leveraging your expertise in payroll systems, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The ideal candidate is proactive in identifying compliance risks and implementing solutions to keep the company ahead of evolving regulations. If you thrive in a detail-oriented, high-impact role, we’d love to hear from you!

• Payroll Processing: Manage full-cycle bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll via Rippling across multiple subsidiaries and nearly all 50 states, including off-cycle batches for corrections, terminations, equity releases, and reimbursements.
• Timekeeping & Contractor Payments: Review and process bi-weekly hours, resolve timekeeping issues with managers, and ensure accurate, compliant payments for 1099 contractors in the U.S. and globally.
• Compliance & Audits: Support payroll compliance, including multi-state tax withholding, garnishments, and key audits (e.g., 401k, workers’ compensation, and external financial audits).
• Reporting & Recordkeeping: Provide payroll reports to Finance, Legal, and People Operations, maintain accurate records, and oversee W-2 reviews for timely, accurate issuance.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Assist with payroll system implementations, automation, and scalable solutions for benefits enrollment, payroll reporting, and compliance.
• Leave & Benefits Administration: Oversee leave and 401k administration in partnership with People Operations and create monthly reconciliation reports for benefits, 401k, and equity awards.
• Policy & Project Support: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, monitor payroll inquiries, and assist with other duties and ad-hoc projects as assigned.

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000 USD.

You’ll Be a Good Fit If: 

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, HR Management, or related field (or equivalent experience), with 3-5 years in a payroll function, preferably in a fast-paced or tech/start-up environment.
• Payroll Expertise: Experience managing multi-state payrolls for 500+ employees, including exempt and nonexempt as well as payments for 1099 contractors.
• Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of payroll compliance, state/federal employment laws, and regulations.
• Technical & System Skills: Proficiency in payroll systems and data flow; ability to learn new software and processes quickly. Rippling and NetSuite experience preferred.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Excel/Google Sheets and proficiency in MS Word/Google Docs.
• Organizational & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines in a fast-changing environment, and exercise sound business judgment.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally, effectively communicating complex information.

Confidentiality & Adaptability: Demonstrated discretion, attention to detail, a tech-savvy mindset, and a positive attitude during high-volume periods.

If you don’t meet every single requirement, but are still interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box, and Grow believes the perfect candidate is more than just a resume. 

Note: Please upload your resume in PDF format 

We use Covey as part of our hiring and / or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT. As part of the evaluation process we provide Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound on January 11, 2025.

Please see the independent bias audit report covering our use of Covey here.