Manager, Accounting Operations (Payroll)

The Manager, Accounting Operations oversees and manages the payroll operations of NerdWallet. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. This role will also involve collaborating with various departments, managing external vendor relationships, and continuously improving payroll processes to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction.

The Manager, Accounting Operations is responsible for end to end processing of payroll, managing tax filings, maintaining accurate records, and resolving employee payroll inquiries. The Manager, Accounting Operations also collaborates with HR and Finance to ensure payroll aligns with broader company policies and goals, audits processes for compliance, and implements process improvements. In a leadership capacity, they will supervise payroll staff and manage relationships with external vendors and payroll service providers.

Where you can make an impact: 

• 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.

Your experience:

We recognize not everyone will meet all of the criteria. If you meet most of the criteria below and you’re excited about the opportunity and willing to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

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

Where:

• We believe great work can be done anywhere. No matter where you are based, NerdWallet offers benefits and perks to support the physical, financial, and emotional well being of you and your family.

What we offer:

Work Hard, Stay Balanced (Life’s a series of balancing acts, eh?)

• 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

Have Some Fun! (Nerds are fun, too)

• 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

Plan for your future (And when you retire on your island, remember the little people)

• 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

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

NerdWallet is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, so all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. 

NerdWallet participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify program for all US locations. For more information, please see:

1. E-Verify Participation Poster (English+Spanish/Español)
2. Right to Work Poster (English) / (Spanish/Español)

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