Manager, Payroll Accounting

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled, proactive Manager, Payroll Accounting to lead payroll accounting operations and drive payroll-to-GL accuracy at scale. In this role, you will oversee global payroll accounting activities, ensure integrity of data across platforms, and safeguard compliance with U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements. You will manage and mentor the payroll accounting team, build strong cross-functiofnal partnerships, and drive process innovation across HR, Finance, Tax, and Compliance.

This role is ideal for a leader who is eager to strengthen operational excellence, enhance systems and workflows, and provide high-quality insights that inform business decisions.

The Financial Accounting Team is the backbone of Instacart’s financial integrity. We are responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting across the organization. With a strong foundation in U.S. GAAP and an understanding of operational processes, we partner closely with cross-functional teams to implement robust controls, streamline close cycles, and support business scalability. Our mission is to deliver clarity and confidence in the numbers that drive strategic decisions

About the Job

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll accounting team; establish priorities and guide execution during close and project cycles
• Own the global payroll accounting function, including system integrity, month-end close, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Payroll/HR, FP&A, Tax, and Accounting to ensure alignment and timely delivery of critical workflows.
• Oversee internal controls related to payroll accounting; maintain and enhance SOX-compliant processes and documentation.
• Oversee preparation and review of payroll journal entries, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and GAAP compliance.
• Own reconciliation and data integrity across payroll/HRIS and financial systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Oracle, Workiva).
• Manage monthly close related to payroll accounting including variance analysis, flux explanations, reporting packages and account reconciliations.
• Lead preparation of audit deliverables and serve as primary contact for internal/external and SOX audits related to payroll, benefits, and statutory compliance.
• Oversee global payroll accounting, ensuring proper treatment of FX, intercompany transactions, statutory reporting, and collaboration with international teams or providers.
• Manage accruals and reporting for payroll-related expenses (bonuses, commissions, PTO, benefits).
• Partner with FP&A and HR teams to support workforce cost forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Own troubleshooting of complex payroll issues; drive timely resolution of root causes at scale.
• Ensure the accuracy of system integrations and mapping between payroll platforms and GL; partner with systems teams to enhance workflows.
• Identify, recommend, and lead implementation of scalable process improvements across systems, reporting, and close workflows.
• Develop and maintain clear documentation of policies, procedures, and controls.

About You

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting
• 5–7+ years of payroll accounting experience; global payroll exposure strongly preferred
• Strong foundational knowledge of payroll accounting principles, GL treatment, and account reconciliation best practices
• Experience managing or mentoring accounting staff
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements
• Hands-on experience with payroll and ERP systems, preferably Workday, ADP, and Oracle Fusion
• Strong Excel / data analysis skills (pivot tables, SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, reconciliations)
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation preferred
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
• Experience supporting financial forecasting and payroll analytics
• Experience in a fast-paced or hyper-growth environment