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 statutory accounts and the flexibility to support remote teams across different geographic areas, including with US-based accounting teams

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide - including adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and 70% of the Fortune 500 - rely on the Databricks Data + AI Platform to build and scale data and AI apps, analytics and agents. Headquartered in San Francisco with 30+ offices around the globe, Databricks offers a unified platform that includes Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click here.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Compliance

If access to export-controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.