Payroll Initiatives Lead

At OpenAI, payroll is not a back-office function , it is mission-critical infrastructure. We are seeking a Payroll Initiatives Lead with broad, end-to-end payroll experience to scale the payroll ecosystem in support of one of the world’s fastest-growing and most technically sophisticated organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead payroll integrations for global M&A transactions, coordinating payroll activities from transition planning through stabilization.
• Partner with acquired companies to complete final payrolls accurately and on time, including equity, variable compensation, final pay, and other deal-related payments.
• Integrate acquired employees into OpenAI’s payroll systems, processes, controls, and service model while maintaining continuity of pay.
• Oversee the closure of legacy payroll systems and ensure accurate, compliant year-end processing and reporting.
• Develop and improve global payment-processing capabilities that support employees across multiple countries and payment types.
• Lead global payroll system and provider integrations, ensuring data integrity and effective upstream and downstream connections.
• Partner across Payroll, Finance, Tax, Legal, People, Equity, and other teams to deliver strategic initiatives and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Identify risks, strengthen controls, and automate repeatable processes that enable payroll operations to scale with the company.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in payroll operations, preferably in a fast-paced or high-growth environment.
• Strong working knowledge of global payroll regulations and standard best practices.
• Experience leading M&A payroll integrations.
• Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll or other large HCM/global payroll systems; Broad systems experience is a plus.
• Ability to independently manage priorities, take ownership of outcomes, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. CPP certification is a plus.

Compensation:

• $221K – $245K • Offers Equity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
• Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
• Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
• 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
• Mental health and wellness support
• Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
• Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
• Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
• Relocation support for eligible employees
• Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.