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OpenAI Finance is seeking a Payroll Initiatives Lead to scale payroll operations for one of the world's fastest-growing AI organizations. This is a hybrid role (3 days/week in office) based in San Francisco.
Payroll at OpenAI is mission-critical infrastructure, not a back-office function. You will lead high-value strategic initiatives and complex operational challenges beyond routine processing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead payroll integrations for global M&A transactions, from transition planning through stabilization
- Partner with acquired companies to complete final payrolls accurately and on time, including equity, variable compensation, and deal-related payments
- Integrate acquired employees into OpenAI's payroll systems, processes, controls, and service model while maintaining pay continuity
- Oversee closure of legacy payroll systems and ensure accurate, compliant year-end processing and reporting
- Develop and improve global payment-processing capabilities supporting multiple countries and payment types
- Lead global payroll system and provider integrations, ensuring data integrity and effective upstream/downstream connections
- Partner across Payroll, Finance, Tax, Legal, People, Equity, and other teams to deliver strategic initiatives and resolve complex operational challenges
- Identify risks, strengthen controls, and automate repeatable processes to enable payroll operations to scale
Requirements:
- 8+ years of progressive experience in payroll operations, preferably in fast-paced or high-growth environments
- Strong working knowledge of global payroll regulations and standard best practices
- Experience leading M&A payroll integrations
- Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll or other large HCM/global payroll systems (broad systems experience is a plus)
- Ability to independently manage priorities, take ownership of outcomes, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
- Clear and concise communication skills with ability to partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
- CPP certification is a plus
OpenAI offers relocation assistance to new employees.
