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Salary: USD 200,000 - 230,000 / annual
OpenGov is seeking a Senior Manager of Payroll to own end-to-end US payroll operations and lead the company's payroll function as it scales. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines strategic oversight with direct operational accountability.
You will be responsible for all aspects of US payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and compliance across every jurisdiction where OpenGov employs people. Key responsibilities include managing payroll tax compliance across all states and localities, resolving compliance issues, and driving audits to completion with federal, state, and local authorities. You'll partner with HR on 401(k), HSA, and FSA administration, ensuring correct calculations and timely remittance of contributions. You'll provide tax information and withholding calculations for RSU settlements and, over time, take on full administration of the RSU settlement process in partnership with Accounting and Legal.
You will manage quarterly and year-end employment tax reporting (W-2, 1099, Form 940/941, state and local returns), own payroll general ledger reconciliations, and support month-end close activities. A critical part of this role is designing, documenting, and maintaining payroll controls—including review and approval steps, reconciliations, and completeness checks—to keep the function audit-ready. You'll also drive process improvements and automation initiatives to scale payroll operations before headcount is added.
You will supervise and develop the lead payroll specialist and work cross-functionally with Finance, Accounting, HR, Enterprise Applications & Engineering, and Legal. This role is based in San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, or Boston and is in-office.
OpenGov is the leader in AI and ERP solutions for local and state governments, serving more than 2,000 cities, counties, state agencies, school districts, and special districts. The company operates in a fast-paced, results-driven environment with 800+ employees globally and offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dubuque, Dallas, and Pune.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field, or equivalent work experience
- 8+ years of US payroll experience, including 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 proven track record of delivering accurate, complete payroll on tight deadlines
- Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, including complex formulas and analysis of large datasets
- Sound judgment and bias for action: spots issues early, escalates promptly with proposed resolution, drives to closure
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with cross-functional collaboration experience
- Discretion with confidential employee information
- Comfortable using AI-native tools to accelerate workflows and improve efficiency
- Ability to work in office in one of the five listed locations
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- 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
