Lead - Payroll (US Shift)

Freshworks makes it fast and easy for businesses to delight their customers and employees. We do this by taking a fresh approach to building and delivering software that is affordable, quick to implement, and designed for the end user. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks has a global team operating from 13 global locations to serve more than 65,000 companies -- from startups to public companies – that rely on Freshworks software-as-a-service to enable a better customer experience (CRM, CX) and employee experience (ITSM).
Freshworks’ cloud-based software suite includes Freshdesk (omni-channel customer support), Freshsales (sales automation), Freshmarketer (marketing automation), Freshservice (IT service desk), Freshchat (AI-powered bots), supported by Neo, our underlying platform of shared services.
Freshworks is featured in global national press including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg and has been a BuiltIn Best Place to work in San Francisco and Denver for the last 3 years. Our customer ratings have earned Freshworks products TrustRadius Top Rated Software ratings and G2 Best of Awards for Best Feature Set, Best Value for the Price and Best Relationship.

Your Role

We are seeking an extremely reliable individual to ensure Freshworks’ payroll process is executed flawlessly and will scale with the growth of our business. This is an amazing opportunity to be a key contributor to Freshworks’ Payroll team. This role reports into the US Payroll Manager.

The Lead Payroll will own the end to end US payroll process including tax compliance , journal entries, reconciliations, fluxes and local compliance. You will have the opportunity to drive significant change in payroll processing for our dynamic business. Our ideal candidate needs to have strong organizational skills and great attention to detail; the ability to work independently, plan, prioritize, think outside of the box; and have a positive attitude to embrace change.

Note: this is US shift role with timings of 7pm IST to 4am IST & hybrid set up that requires an in-office presence   3 days / week (Tuesday-Thursday) + 2 weeks in office during the Quarter end periods

What You Will Do

• Prepare and process US semi-monthly payroll in ADP WFN in an efficient and accurate manner including meeting the required deadlines.

• Stay abreast of applicable Federal, Multi-State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to payroll administration.

• Process stock vesting weekly and coordinate with Stock Admin team to ensure accuracy taxable gains and tax liabilities. 

• Keep track of all terminations and ensure they’re paid out per state laws.

• Coordinate with HR/Benefits teams and vendors to calculate and process LOA payments.

• Communicate and collaborate closely with Human Resources for all employee      data and compensation related matters.

• Liaise with third party payroll vendors to ensure payroll processing accurately reflects company specific pay policies.

• Ensure appropriate documentation for operational process and procedures are in place and adhered to as part of operations.

• Research, compile, and analyze statistical reports, audits, and other payroll related data.

• Review and analyze payroll reports for issues; determine and complete adjustments to resolve issues.

• Reconcile and transmit files and payments for taxes, deferred compensation, benefits, retirement plans, and garnishments.

• Maintain and update payroll systems to keep records current and ensure the systems are communicating correctly.

• Process and maintain benefit reconciliations (Medical/Dental/Vision, supplemental benefits, HSA/FSA/transit)

• Work closely with Manager and stakeholders on day-to-day operations.

• Manage tax agency notices and requirements in ADP SmartCompliance.

• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts and process journal entries to record activity.

• Adhere to SOX compliance requirements.

• Internal and External Audit support / co-ordination

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required.

• 5+ years of relevant working experience in US payroll, including benefits, tax and payroll systems; proficient in Excel, administration and excellent in analytical reasoning skills. 

• Experience and skills in payroll implementation, stock option processing, journal entries and account reconciliation and cash recon analysis is a huge plus.

• Able to quickly adapt to new circumstances as they arise.

• Good communication skills and eagerness to learn new tools and techniques.

• Proficient in managing multiple tasks with varied deadlines, a self-starter who can keep projects moving.

• Great organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Able to read, speak and write in English.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).

• Working knowledge of ADP WFN, ADP SmartCompliance and Workday.

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.