Payroll Analyst, Global Payroll

Role Description

Chainguard is building the secure foundation for software, and we’re growing fast. As we continue to expand globally, we’re looking for a Payroll Analyst, Global Payroll to own and execute accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll operations.

Reporting to the Controller, you’ll work closely with Accounting, Finance, and other cross-functional partners to support payroll analytics, global payroll operations, and external payroll partner coordination across multiple countries.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys digging into payroll data, catching discrepancies ahead of payroll submission, and continuously improving how payroll runs as we scale. You’ll play a key role in building payroll analytics and reporting from the ground up, running end-to-end payroll cycles, supporting global compliance efforts, and driving more efficient, automated payroll processes.

If you’re someone who likes solving problems, improving systems, and operating in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, we’d love to connect.

What you’ll do:

• Build and own pre-payroll analytics and audit reporting for US payroll, designing cycle-level reports and analytics from the ground up to identify and resolve discrepancies before submission.
• Design and produce payroll reporting and analytics for Finance and leadership to improve visibility into payroll data rather than maintaining existing outputs.
• Enter and manage payroll inputs including commissions, bonuses, and adjustments across all applicable pay cycles.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to analyze commission reports and manage EIB templates to upload into Workday.
• Conduct regular payroll audits and investigate discrepancies or unusual variances.
• Run end-to-end US payroll cycles independently, with hands-on involvement in payroll entries, adjustments, and off-cycle payments.
• Assist with employee payroll inquiries and help troubleshoot payroll-related questions.
• Partner with global payroll vendors on payroll compliance coordination and vendor case management, supporting the Global Payroll Manager as needed on registrations and jurisdiction activity.
• Assist with tracking and organizing payroll tax cases in OSV, including documentation management and case follow-up, escalating to the Global Payroll Manager for tax decisions and resolutions.
• Maintain accurate payroll data across payroll systems and global payroll vendor platforms.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows, reporting, and automation.
• Collaborate with Finance and HRIS teams to strengthen payroll-related integrations and reporting.
• Support payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, and ad-hoc projects as the company continues to scale globally.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of payroll experience in a high-growth or global organization; startup experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated experience building payroll reporting and audit processes.
• Experience running end-to-end US payroll operations, with exposure to international payroll environments.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Workday Payroll.
• Experience working with OneSource Virtual (OSV).
• Experience supporting global payroll vendors (Remote).
• Experience creating and managing payroll imports and EIB uploads in Workday, including building templates from scratch.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage payroll data across multiple systems.
• Comfort partnering with Finance, People, and other cross-functional teams.
• A self-starter mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, evolving environment.
• Interest in improving payroll processes, reporting, and automation as payroll operations scale.

Benefits

• Flexible & Remote-First Culture: Work remotely with team meetup opportunities, bi-annual destination summits, and a monthly stipend for coworking spaces, phone and internet costs.
• Our Approach to Equity: Receive stock options upon hire and promotion. Plus, you can participate in secondary offerings and have 10 years to exercise your options.
• 100% Covered Health Insurance: We cover 100% of your health, vision and dental insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
• ∞ Flexible Time Off: Take the time you need – to do our best work, we need to recharge and reset.
• 18 Weeks Paid Parental Leave: We offer 18 weeks for birthing parents and 12 weeks for non-birthing parents, with the option to use it all at once or throughout your child's first year.