Accounting Operations Manager

Summary

Join NerdWallet as the Manager, Accounting Operations and oversee all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. You will manage a team, handle multi-state and international payroll, collaborate with various departments, and continuously improve processes. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and technical skills in payroll software and regulations. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with vendors and addressing employee inquiries. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a management role
• Experience with equity compensation (e.g. RSUs, ISOs, NQs, ESPP) is required
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Activ, Workday) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, regulations, multi-state, and international payroll requirements
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across departments
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for all employees, ensuring accurate and timely payment in compliance with company policies and applicable laws
• Oversee multi-state payroll operations, including federal, state, and local tax filings
• Oversee international payroll operations, including Canada, UK, and Australia
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, tax withholding, and reporting requirements
• Prepare and submit payroll reports for internal stakeholders, auditors, and regulatory agencies (e.g., 10-Q and 10-K payroll-related disclosures)
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams on audits (401K NDT, 5500 audits, etc.) and reconciliations
• Partner with HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems Team) to maintain and update payroll systems (e.g.,Workday, ADP, Activ, or similar platforms) for accuracy and efficiency
• Manage relationships with payroll service providers and ensure SLAs are met
• Address payroll-related inquiries from employees in a professional and timely manner. Establish and track SLAs to ensure highest levels of trusted client service
• Provide training and guidance on payroll policies and tools to internal teams as needed
• Continuously evaluate payroll processes and implement enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience
• Stay updated on industry best practices and technological advancements
• Supervise and mentor payroll team member(s), fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture
• Develop and maintain payroll training materials and standard operating procedures
• Lead cross-functional meetings with business partners to ensure alignment on Company and team objectives
• Partner with equity teams to ensure compliance with complex tax laws surrounding our EIP (Employee Incentive Program) and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) programs
• Consulting on Tax Implications: Advise on the tax treatment of equity compensation, including RSUs, ISOs, and NQS, to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Help determine how equity transactions will affect employee taxable income and taxes, with a focus on mitigating any potential tax issues
• Year-to-Date (YTD) Earnings Coordination: Ensure all YTD earnings, including equity-related income, are accurately reported to our equity provider. This ensures the correct tax rates and wage limits are applied during exercises, vesting, and other equity-related events
• Taxable Income Reporting: Partner with the equity team to ensure that taxable income related to equity events, such as vesting or option exercises, is properly captured and reflected in our payroll system. This includes coordinating the proper tax withholding and recording of income for accurate W-2 reporting
• Payroll Software Integration: Record all equity-related taxable income and adjustments in the payroll system to ensure accurate tax withholding and compliance with IRS reporting requirements. This includes ensuring that equity data is accurately reflected on employees' W-2s
• Tax Strategy Consultation: Provide strategic recommendations on the impact of equity events and advising on tax-efficient practices to help manage employees' equity compensation and minimize any potential tax burdens

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a publicly traded company and knowledge of SOX compliance is preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar designation is highly desirable

Benefits

• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision health care plans for employees and their dependents
• Rejuvenation Policy – Vacation Time Off + 11 holidays + 4 Mental Health Days Off
• New Parent Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care
• Mental health support
• Paid sabbatical for Nerds to recharge, gain knowledge and pursue their interests
• Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly NerdWallet contribution
• Monthly Wellness Stipend, Cell Phone Stipend, and Wifi Stipend
• Work from home equipment stipend and co-working space subsidy
• Nerd-led group initiatives – Employee Resource Groups for Parents, Diversity, and Inclusion, Women, LGBTQIA, and other communities
• Hackathons and team events across all teams and departments
• Company-wide events like NerdLove (employee appreciation) and our annual Charity Auction
• Our Nerds love to make an impact by paying it forward – Take 8 hours of volunteer time off per quarter and donate to your favorite causes with a company match
• 401K with company match
• Be the first to test and benefit from our new financial products and tools
• Financial wellness, guidance, and unlimited access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Northstar
• Disability and Life Insurance with employer-paid premiums