Payroll Lead
Credo • San Jose, California • Full Time • $95,000–$140,000 / year
Posted on Thu, Oct 8, 2026
We’re looking for a Payroll Lead who will own day-to-day payroll operations for the AMER region (US and Canada) and our Employer of Record (EOR) workforce. This role reports to the Sr. Manager, Global Payroll.
In addition to reviewing North America payroll, the Payroll Lead is a key contributor to global payroll operations and advancement projects including system implementations, process improvements, and the initiatives that support our growing organizational footprint.
This role is for the self-proclaimed payroll nerd - a highly cross-functional, detail-driven person comfortable owning review and sign-off responsibilities, working confidently in Excel, introducing AI into payroll practices, and communicating clearly with our customers: employees, Finance, and global stakeholders.
Base salary range is $95,000–$140,000 a year. The base salary offer will depend on factors such as education, experience, training, skills, qualifications, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary bonus and a full range of medical and other benefits.
Location: Prioritizing San Jose, CA (hybrid)
This role is preferably based in San Jose in a hybrid capacity; exceptional candidates outside the area will be considered based on overall qualifications and ability to be in office on a frequent basis.
Why Credo
- Purpose: We invest in what matters. From meaningful, future-shaping projects to competitive compensation, we empower you to grow your career while making a lasting impact.
- People: Connection starts within. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
- Possibilities: Our belief shapes what's next. As Global Payroll Operations moves to a more consolidated, globally aligned structure, this role has real influence over how payroll scales across new countries and processes.
Requirements
Basic Qualifications
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP (or XLOOKUP), used routinely for payroll reconciliation, audit, and reporting.
- Strong, current knowledge of US payroll processing, including federal, state, and local tax withholding requirements.
- Deep understanding of both US and Canada payroll requirements, including statutory filings, deductions, and processing cycles.
- Demonstrated ability to act as an initial/first-line reviewer, catching errors and compliance issues before payroll is finalized.
- Ability to support Employer of Record (EOR) payroll processing across the arrangements the N.America team manages.
- Experience leading or providing key support on special payroll projects, such as system implementations or process improvements.
- Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters to employees and partners across Finance, HR, and People teams.
- 4+ years of progressive payroll experience, ideally spanning both US and Canada.
- Experience with equity/stock transaction processing and related payroll tax treatment (RSUs, ESPP, options).
- Experience in broader global payroll operations beyond North America.
- Working knowledge of Canada and/or Singapore payroll requirements.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled payroll, reconciliation, or workflow automation tools.
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What the data says about this job
- Advertised pay for Payroll Manager: a median of $104,450 across 964 priced postings. This posting advertises $95,000 to $140,000, 12% above that median. Explore the market
Measured from employers' own postings and public filings. How we measure