US Payroll Operations

About the Role

Openai's payroll team is dedicated to providing exceptional employee support, resolving inquiries, and ensuring seamless payroll delivery. As a key member of this team, you will partner closely with HR, Benefits, and other cross-functional teams to ensure accurate upstream inputs and downstream reporting.

The company's hybrid work model, which includes three days of in-office work per week, offers a unique blend of collaboration and flexibility. Relocation assistance is available for new employees, making this an attractive opportunity for those looking to join a dynamic and growing organization.

What You Will Do

• Process biweekly payrolls for 5,000+ US employees, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery for exempt and non-exempt populations while maintaining compliance across federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support payroll activities related to mergers and acquisitions, including final payroll processing, tax account closures, W-2 reporting, payroll record retention, compliance requirements, and payroll integration or wind-down activities.
• Lead day-to-day workflows with outsourced payroll/BPO partners to ensure SLAs are met, quality standards are upheld, and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and controls.
• Deliver exceptional employee support by resolving payroll inquiries with a strong service mindset, ensuring clear communication, timely resolution, and adherence to established SLAs.
• Drive continuous process improvement through automation, AI-enabled solutions, workflow redesign, and system optimization, reducing manual effort while enhancing accuracy, compliance, and employee experiences.
• Create and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and process maps to support scalable payroll operations and audit readiness.
• Partner closely with HR, Benefits, and other cross-functional teams to ensure clean upstream inputs and accurate downstream reporting.
• Create and maintain employee-facing payroll resources, knowledge base articles, and self-service tools that improve transparency, reduce inquiry volume, and improve the employee experience.

What We Are Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive experience in payroll operations, preferably in a fast-paced or high-growth environment.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including employee mobility, multi-state taxation, and standard payroll practices.
• Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll required; ADP SmartCompliance experience is a plus.
• Ability to independently manage multiple competing priorities, take ownership of outcomes, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• CPP certification is strongly preferred.

Nice to Have

• Experience with payroll integration or wind-down activities in mergers and acquisitions.
• Knowledge of AI-enabled solutions for payroll process improvement.
• Familiarity with hybrid work models and remote team collaboration.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and growing organization.
• Hybrid work model with three days of in-office work per week.
• Relocation assistance available for new employees.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools, including Workday Payroll and ADP SmartCompliance.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certification programs.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Develop a strong understanding of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll regulations to ensure compliance in your role.
• Showcase your experience with payroll software, such as Workday Payroll, and highlight any certifications, like CPP.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to process improvement, including automation and AI-enabled solutions.
• Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, with examples from your previous experience.
• research Openai's company culture and values to understand their commitment to AI-driven solutions and hybrid work models.
• Be prepared to discuss your ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Review the company's benefits and perks, including relocation assistance and professional development opportunities, to understand the total compensation package.