Head of Global Payroll

San Francisco, CA

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Okta is The World’s Identity Company. We free everyone to safely use any technology—anywhere, on any device or app. Our Workforce and Customer Identity Clouds enable secure yet flexible access, authentication, and automation that transforms how people move through the digital world, putting Identity at the heart of business security and growth. 

At Okta, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We are not looking for someone who checks every single box - we’re looking for lifelong learners and people who can make us better with their unique experiences. 

Join our team! We’re building a world where Identity belongs to you.

Head of Global Payroll

Okta is seeking a top-tier candidate to develop and execute the overall strategic vision for its global payroll department. As the Head of Global Payroll, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's payroll function, including payroll operations, accounting, compliance, and international expansion.

 

The ideal candidate will lead the day-to-day global payroll operations which include supporting international expansion efforts and complying with local statutory regulations. This leader will be a key partner in developing and implementing strategies to scale the global payroll operations and systems efficiently while maintaining quality, accuracy, internal controls and compliance. This position is best suited for a career-minded payroll professional who is detail-oriented and enjoys working in a meaningful, fast-paced environment.

 

This role is based out of Okta’s headquarters in San Francisco, CA, and reports to the VP of Accounting.

 

 

What you’ll be doing 

  • Develop and execute the payroll function's vision, strategy, and mission, aligned with the company's strategic objectives
  • Lead and mentor a global team of payroll professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture while championing a continuous improvement mindset
  • Oversee payroll operations with 24+ countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations
  • Identify and mitigate potential payroll-related risks and implement controls to prevent errors, fraud, or compliance violations
  • Build and nurture strong relationships with payroll service providers
  • Evaluate, select, implement, and maintain payroll software and systems to streamline processes and improve efficiency
  • Establish and standardize global payroll policies, processes, and procedures while accommodating regional variations and legal requirements
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll regulations, including considering Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and other legal requirements applicable to the payroll function in each country of operation
  • Ensure the confidentiality and security of payroll data, adhering to data privacy regulations and safeguarding sensitive employee information
  • Collaborate with the Finance, People and Legal teams to support the company's global expansion efforts by providing payroll expertise and coordinating payroll setup in new regions
  • Provide regular payroll-related reports, operational and financial metrics, and insights to senior management, supporting decision-making and strategic planning
  • Manage payroll audit inquiries requests from both internal and external audit parties. Work with tax agencies and payroll service providers to resolve external tax issues and audits



What you’ll bring to the role

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance / Accounting, or a related discipline
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) 
  • 15+ overall years of work experience including at least 7+ years experience with multi-state and international payroll and taxes including global mobility taxes
  • 6+ years of managing a global payroll team consisting of 5 or more employees
  • Experience with payrolls larger than 7,000 employees
  • Strong leadership and team management skills with a proven track record of building high-performing teams
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and senior management
  • Comprehensive knowledge of payroll software and systems, as well as the ability to evaluate, implement, or upgrade payroll technology as needed. Advanced level experience of Workday required
  • Extensive experience in establishing and standardizing policies, processes, procedures and controls to maximize automation, scalability, and cost-effectiveness
  • Highly proficient in interpreting local and international payroll rules and regulations
  • Deep understanding of equity reporting processes as it relates to payroll and payroll taxes globally
  • Experience implementing payroll in new countries and for acquired companies
  • Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, showcasing demonstrated commercial judgment and creative problem-solving abilities
  • Knowledge of data privacy regulations and the ability to maintain strict data protection protocols to safeguard sensitive employee information
  • Highly analytical with working knowledge of general payroll protocols and accounting principles

#LI-CM2

Below is the annual base salary range for candidates located in California. Your actual base salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. In addition, Okta offers equity (where applicable), bonus, and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. To learn more about our Total Rewards program please visit: https://rewards.okta.com/us.   

The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in the San Francisco Bay area is between: $206,000—$310,000 USD

What you can look forward to as an Full-Time Okta employee!

Okta cultivates a dynamic work environment, providing the best tools, technology and benefits to empower our employees to work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs. Each organization is unique in the degree of flexibility and mobility in which they work so that all employees are enabled to be their most creative and successful versions of themselves, regardless of where they live. Find your place at Okta today! https://www.okta.com/company/careers/.

Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please use this Form to request an accommodation.

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Okta
The foundation for secure connections between people and technology

Okta is the leading independent provider of identity for the enterprise. The Okta Identity Cloud enables organizations to securely connect the right people to the right technologies at the right time. With over 7,000 pre-built integrations to applications and infrastructure providers, Okta customers can easily and securely use the best technologies for their business. More than 18,800 organizations, including JetBlue, Nordstrom, Slack, T-Mobile, Takeda, Teach for America, and Twilio, trust Okta to help protect the identities of their workforces and customers.

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