Own the monthly close for payroll and related accounts, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and delivering variance analyses across wages, bonuses, commissions, taxes, benefits, and stock-based compensation.
Partner closely with Payroll Operations to ensure accurate GL postings and timely resolution of issues across multi-state jurisdictions and multiple legal entities.
Design, document, and operationalize SOX-compliant processes and controls for payroll accounting; support internal and external audit requests with clear, well-organized evidence.
Collaborate with Tax, FP&A/Corporate Strategy, HR/Benefits, and HRIS to improve forecast accuracy, refine accrual methodologies, and implement system and process enhancements.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce close timelines and defects by standardizing templates, automating reconciliations, and leveraging ERP and payroll/HRIS integrations.
Provide technical accounting guidance on payroll-related matters, draft and maintain accounting policies, and communicate impacts of new programs (e.g., compensation plans, benefits, mobility) to stakeholders.
Support ad hoc analyses and special projects, including new system integrations, tool evaluations, and scalability efforts to meet the needs of a growing business.

5+ years of payroll accounting or GL accounting experience with a substantial payroll focus in a public company or large private company.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP for payroll, benefits, bonuses/commissions, and stock-based compensation.
Hands-on ownership of monthly close activities for payroll accounts, including preparation/review of journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations for payroll liabilities, taxes, and benefits.
Experience establishing and operating SOX/internal controls and supporting internal/external audits.
Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets (lookups, pivot tables, index/match) and comfort working with large, complex datasets.
Experience with an ERP and payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, ADP or similar), including GL integrations and data extraction.
Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment while communicating clearly with cross-functional partners.

Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work.
This role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants.
Please read more about our benefits offerings here.

Senior Payroll Accountant

Key skills