Payroll Manager

Decagon is a conversational AI platform that enables enterprises to deploy AI agents for customer experiences across voice, chat, email, and SMS. Backed by investors including a16z, Accel, Bain Capital Ventures, Coatue, and Index Ventures. The company is in-office, with values including 'Just Get It Done' and 'Winner's Mindset'.

The Accounting team at Decagon ensures accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, designing scalable processes and controls. They partner with Sales, People, Legal, and Operations to drive spend management, contract oversight, and payroll excellence.

We are looking for a high-impact Payroll Manager to own global payroll operations, payroll accounting, and stock administration. This is an individual contributor role responsible for accurate, compliant, and timely payroll while building processes and controls for a scaling organization.

• Run end-to-end payroll for U.S. and international entities, including new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, and equity compensation.
• Own stock administration in Carta: grants, exercises, terminations, repurchases, and related tax and reporting.
• Close payroll and equity monthly: accruals, reconciliations, support for stock comp expense, and auditor schedules.
• Manage payroll tax across states and countries, including registrations, mobile employees, and year-end filings.
• Write documentation, build controls, and automate manual processes.
• Expand into broader accounting operations over time: T&E policy, accounts payable, and month-end reconciliations.

• 4-6 years of progressive payroll experience with full ownership of U.S. and international payroll.
• Payroll tax fluency, including registrations, multi-state nexus, and year-end forms.
• Deep knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Working knowledge of equity compensation mechanics: ISO/NSO, exercises, dispositions, withholding, and reporting.
• Carta experience is a plus; ability to pick it up quickly is not optional.
• Comfort closing the books: journal entries, accruals, reconciliations.
• Rippling experience is helpful.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to independently reconcile and resolve discrepancies.
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset in a fast-moving startup environment.

• Experience in a hyper-growth company.
• Have stood up payroll in a new country.
• Worked directly with external auditors on payroll and equity testing.
• Exposure to AP, AR, or T&E operations.

Salary: $160,000 - $190,000 plus equity. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plan (e.g., 401K), parental leave, fertility benefits, wellness stipend, daily lunches, and flexible vacation policy.