Senior Payroll Accountant

GAQ327R161

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. The Senior Payroll Accountant plays a critical role in executing the day-to-day and month-end accounting tasks associated with Databricks' global payroll. As part of the Global Accounting organization and reporting directly to the Payroll Accounting Manager based in India, you will tackle complex reconciliations, execute detailed variance analysis, and drive process improvements. The ideal candidate is a highly analytical self-starter with a keen eye for detail who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

The impact you will have:

• Prepare and record comprehensive payroll journal entries, including salaries, bonuses, commissions, stock-based compensation, benefits, and multi-state/international taxes.
• Prepare accurate monthly balance sheet reconciliations for assigned accounts, proactively identifying and resolving any variances or discrepancies within the close period.
• Perform monthly payroll flux analysis, identifying and investigating drivers behind significant period-over-period movements.
• Prepare payroll accounting for equity compensation programs such as RSUs, stock options, and ESPP, ensuring accurate recording, tax withholding treatment, and reconciliation between equity, payroll, and the general ledger.
• Execute payroll accounting across global entities, with exposure to high-complexity jurisdictions, including Netherlands, Brazil, France, Germany, and India, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and local compliance.
• Partner closely with the Payroll Operations team to research and resolve discrepancies between the payroll register and the general ledger.
• Support annual local statutory audits, consolidated external audits, and internal SOX requests; help maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures (SOPs).
• Partner with the Manager and cross-functional teams (Legal, External Advisors) to set up accounting processes and systems for new international subsidiaries and locations.
• Lead testing and implementation of updates to cloud-based payroll and accounting systems; perform ad hoc financial analysis and drive process improvement projects to increase efficiency.
• Support AI and automation initiatives across payroll accounting, including reconciliation tooling, variance detection, and process improvements that reduce manual work.

What we look for:

• BA, BS Degree with a focus in Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance
• 6-8 years of general accounting experience, with a minimum of 4+ years dedicated specifically to payroll accounting
• Chartered Accountant (CA) or CPA equivalent certification is strongly preferred. 
• Experience with equity compensation accounting (RSUs, stock options, ESPP) is a plus
• Experience supporting annual statutory audits and the partnership skills necessary to collaborate effectively with local and remote teams across various time zones
• Exposure to global payroll jurisdictions, particularly high-complexity countries such as Netherlands, Brazil, France, Germany, and India, is a plus
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based accounting systems and a strong working knowledge of US GAAP
• Hands-on experience or strong interest in driving automation and AI adoption in payroll or accounting operations
• Proven experience partnering with local accounting teams to file statutory accounts and the flexibility to support remote teams across different geographic areas, including with US-based accounting teams