Payroll Initiatives Lead

About the Role

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. This role will apply that expertise to high-value processes, strategic initiatives, and complex business needs beyond day-to-day payroll processing.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees.

In this role, you will

• 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.

You might thrive in this role if you have

• 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.