Payroll Analyst

Location: San Francisco or remote within the United States; hybrid

Salary: $90,000–$125,000 per year, plus equity. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions.

Company

Perplexity develops AI-powered products and is scaling its finance and accounting operations through rapid hiring and global expansion.

What you will do

• Support US multi-state semi-monthly payroll and international payroll cycles across approximately 16 countries using Rippling.
• Run the monthly global contractor payroll cycle, including timecard tracking, manager approvals, and payment scheduling.
• Perform pre- and post-payroll audits covering benefits deductions, 401(k) deferrals, employer matches, payroll journals, and deduction exports.
• Maintain US state tax accounts and support SUI, withholding, benefits, equity, and payroll compliance activities.
• Manage Rippling-to-NetSuite reimbursement workflows and respond to employee payroll inquiries.
• Prepare audit-ready documentation and support quarter-end and year-end close, including W-2s, ACA reporting, 401(k) true-ups, and reconciliations.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of hands-on payroll experience, ideally including multi-state US payroll.
• Experience establishing and maintaining US state agency accounts, including SUI and withholding accounts.
• Strong knowledge of California wage statements, meal and rest break premiums, final pay timing, and other state-specific requirements.
• Experience with a modern payroll or HRIS platform such as Rippling, Workday, ADP, or Gusto; Rippling experience is preferred.
• Strong reconciliation and data-analysis skills across benefits, 401(k) calculations, payroll-to-GL tie-outs, Excel, and Google Sheets.
• Working knowledge of US payroll tax compliance and clear communication with employees and cross-functional stakeholders.

Nice to have

• International or contractor payroll experience.
• Familiarity with RSU, NSO, and ISO taxation and equity compensation payroll reporting.
• Experience with cross-border payroll mechanics.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on ownership and responsibility from the first day.
• Collaboration with People Operations, Accounting, Tax, and Equity teams.
• US benefits include equity, health, dental, vision, retirement, fitness, commuter, and dependent care accounts.
• International employees receive benefits tailored to their region of residence.
• Fast-paced environment focused on process improvement, accuracy, and stronger controls.