Manager, Payroll Accounting

GAQ327R160 About the Role We're building a finance function that stays ahead of the curve — leveraging AI, automation, and modern tooling to operate at the pace Databricks demands. We are looking for a Manager, Payroll Accounting , to lead our payroll accounting team based in India. This is a foundational hire — you will help build the team, define the operating model, and set the standard for how payroll accounting operates at Databricks as we continue to scale This role blends team leadership with deep technical accounting expertise. As part of the Global Accounting organisation, you will ensure the accurate and timely recording of all payroll-related financial data while partnering closely with PeopleOps, Payroll Operations, Global Accounting, and FP&A to ensure strict compliance with US GAAP, local tax regulations, and internal policies. The impact you will have: Oversee the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll accounting close processes, reviewing and approving complex journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations. Perform monthly payroll flux analysis, identifying and clearly articulating drivers behind significant period-over-period movements for leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Lead payroll accounting across our global entities, with particular focus on high-complexity jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, Brazil, France, Germany, and India — ensuring accurate accounting treatment, local compliance, and timely close across each location. Manage complex multi-currency ledger reconciliations, foreign exchange (FX) gain/loss adjustments, and intercompany cross-charges. Provide technical accounting oversight for stock-based compensation and complex commission structures, ensuring accurate recording and compliance. Own payroll accounting for equity compensation programs, including RSUs, stock options, and ESPP, ensuring accurate recording, tax withholding treatment, and reconciliation between equity, payroll, and the intercompany general ledger. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll accounting audits. Champion compliance with internal controls (SOX), US GAAP, and multi-jurisdictional payroll tax regulations. Partner with our legal team, external consultants, and banking partners to establish new subsidiaries. Collaborate with Corporate Tax and Technical Accounting to set up accounting processes for new global locations. Partner with PeopleOps, AP and Procurement to proactively monitor and audit independent contractor relationships, ensuring accurate general ledger classification and mitigating "disguised employee" risks Drive AI and automation adoption across payroll accounting, including AI-assisted reconciliation between payroll registers and the GL, automated variance detection, and leveraging the Databricks Platform to streamline data flow across payroll, equity, and financial systems Hire, train, mentor, and manage a team of payroll accountants, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. What we look for: BA, BS Degree with a focus in Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance 15+ years progressive accounting experience, with at least 8+ years specifically in payroll accounting and 4+ years in a supervisory/management role within a US multinational framework A Chartered Accountant (CA) or CPA equivalent certification is required. CPP is strongly preferred. Equity compensation accounting experience required, including for RSUs, stock options, and ESPP — from payroll tax treatment to GL reconciliation. Proven track record driving automation and AI adoption in payroll or accounting operations, with hands-on experience implementing tools that reduce manual work and improve accuracy. Deep understanding of US GAAP, multi-jurisdiction tax laws, and SOX compliance. Experience with cloud-based systems (e.g., SAP, Workday, Payslip) is required Proven experience partnering with local accounting teams to file statuto…