Payroll Manager; Global

Payroll Manager (Global) – Cohere

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Our mission is to scale intelligence to serve humanity by training and deploying frontier models for developers and enterprises who are building AI systems. We believe that our work is instrumental to the widespread adoption of AI.

Cohere seeks a Payroll Manager to own and scale our global multi‑country payroll operations across North America, Europe, and APAC. In this role you will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing as we continue to grow rapidly across jurisdictions, partnering closely with Finance, People, Legal, and regional external providers to build a global payroll function.

• Own end‑to‑end payroll processing for all global entities and employee populations, including full‑time employees, contractors, and international transfers.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll cycles (bi‑weekly, semi‑monthly, monthly) across multiple jurisdictions.
• Validate payroll inputs (compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, benefits, leave, etc.) and review calculations.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations and perform monthly payroll‑related close activities (payroll‑related journal entries, accruals, and variance analyses).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from employees and internal stakeholders.

• Lead process improvements to increase accuracy, scalability, and automation of payroll workflows.
• Partner with People Ops to transition and modernize our global HRIS and payroll systems, including platform implementation.
• Develop and maintain robust documentation, including global playbooks, country‑level SOPs, and integration maps to support future scale.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert for payroll system integrations with other platforms (e.g., accounting software, benefits administration).
• Implement and monitor KPIs to measure payroll process efficiency and accuracy.

• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations and statutory reporting requirements across supported countries.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over payroll, including segregation of duties, approvals, and documentation standards.
• Manage audits (financial, tax, and internal) requiring payroll support.
• Stay current on global payroll legislation changes and coordinate implementation of required updates.
• Conduct periodic internal audits and risk assessments to identify control gaps.

• Manage relationships with global payroll providers, PEOs, and local in‑country partners.
• Evaluate vendor performance and partner on RFP efforts with Procurement.

• 6–10 years of progressive payroll experience.
• 3+ years managing global payroll across multiple countries.
• CPP, CPA, or similar certification.
• Expertise in US and Canadian payroll compliance.
• Experience with EMEA/APAC payroll jurisdictions is a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, including payroll accruals, reconciliations, and month‑end close processes.
• Proven experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems and process improvements.
• Deep attention to detail, high ownership, and an ability to operate in a fast‑paced, scaling environment.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting with colleagues at all levels.

If some of the above doesn’t line up perfectly with your experience, we still encourage you to apply!

We value and celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive work environment for all. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities. Should you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please submit an Accommodations Request Form, and we will work together to meet your needs.

• An open and inclusive culture and work environment.
• Work closely with a team on the cutting edge of AI research.
• Weekly lunch stipend, in‑office lunches & snacks.
• Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget to take care of your mental health.
• 100% parental leave top‑up for up to 6 months.
• Personal enrichment benefits toward arts and culture, fitness and well‑being, quality time, and workspace improvement.
• Remote‑flexible, offices in Toronto, New York, San Francisco, London and Paris, as well as a co‑working stipend.
• 6 weeks of vacation (30 working days).