Director, Payroll

Role Summary

We are seeking a Payroll Director to build and lead IDEAYA’s payroll function as the company transitions from a clinical-stage to a commercial-stage biosciences company. This role owns the end-to-end payroll operating model, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant pay delivery while establishing scalable governance and internal controls (SOX) across multi-jurisdictional requirements. The Director will own ADP Workforce Now, optimize system configuration and reporting, and drive integration with HR, IT, and Finance. This position is based in South San Francisco and requires onsite presence four days per week, reporting to the Senior Finance Director.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a long-term payroll strategy aligned with IDEAYA’s evolving workforce needs, commercial growth, and broader Finance objectives
• Lead end-to-end payroll operations to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely pay delivery across all employee populations
• Own ADP Workforce Now as the platform subject matter expert, including system configuration, database governance, access management, and continuous optimization
• Manage integrations and data flows across HRIS, Accounting, IT, and equity systems; develop advanced custom reporting to support financial integrity and decision-making
• Oversee federal, multi-state, local, and foreign tax compliance; ensure consistent adherence to applicable regulations and internal standards
• Maintain and evolve SOX-compliant internal controls for payroll; prepare documentation, testing support, and audit-ready evidence for internal and external stakeholders
• Lead and respond to external payroll audits, and support 401(k) and Workers’ Compensation audits
• Administer and ensure accurate payroll treatment of bonuses, equity-based compensation (stock options, ESPP), paid time off, benefits, imputed income, and other compensation elements
• Partner closely with Stock Administration to process option grants and exercises and ensure correct reporting and taxation of equity events
• Identify and implement automation and process improvements to reduce manual effort, mitigate risk, improve accuracy, and enhance the employee experience
• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and vendor evaluations, including project management, change management, and stakeholder alignment
• Take a leadership role in commercial-stage readiness initiatives, including administering incentive compensation plans, impacting payroll process, controls, and reporting
• Collaborate closely with Finance & Equity, HR, IT, and Legal to ensure timely execution, accurate reporting, and strong governance across payroll processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 10–15+ years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 5 years in a director-level role within a publicly held company
• Proven experience in a public company, including experience supporting a clinical-to-commercial transition
• Advanced, hands-on expertise with ADP Workforce Now is essential, including reporting, SmartCompliance, general ledger interface, time/attendance modules, and access management
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation highly preferred
• Deep understanding of multi-state tax regulations, wage/hour laws (FLSA), and payroll-related legal and compliance requirements
• Experience building and scaling international payroll operations, including managing global payroll vendors and ensuring country-specific compliance (employment, tax, and statutory requirements)
• Experience with equity compensation and related tax implications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization
• A proactive, high-energy approach with a demonstrated track record of driving continuous improvement
• Self-starter with strong people leadership, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to operational excellence

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; MBA or advanced degree preferred