Senior Manager, Payroll

About Fluidstack

We exist to make humanity more free. For most of human history, you farmed or you starved. Technology gave people more time for the things they wanted to do, instead of things they had to do. Powerful AI will be the biggest lever for human choice we've ever built - but only if models are aligned with what humanity actually wants. There are groups building AI who don't share these goals. Whoever deploys frontier compute infrastructure fastest will decide whether AI expands human freedom or shrinks it.

We're singularly focused on delivering 10 to 100s of GWs of compute faster than anyone else, rethinking every layer of the stack. We acquire power, design and build data centers, and operate them - with teams spanning hardware and software. Speed and scale are our key differentiators. Come be a part of building civilization-scale infrastructure for AI.

We hire people who care deeply about this problem space. If that is you, please apply!

How We Operate

• Be a barrel. Full autonomy. Own things end to end, take on scope without being asked, no permission required to operate outside your core role.

• Insane urgency. We drive everything forward as fast as possible.

• Reason from first principles. Challenge every assumption. Zero analogy thinking, no egos, the best idea wins.

• Love of the game. The frontier of AI is the most interesting problem of our time. We put in long hours at high intensity to push the frontier forward.

• Build something that actually matters. If you're going to spend your time, spend it on something that matters to the world.

About the Role

Fluidstack is looking for a Director of Accounting to own and scale our global payroll function end-to-end — spanning both accounting and operations. As our first dedicated payroll leader, you'll build the systems, processes, and team infrastructure needed to support a rapidly growing, globally distributed workforce. You'll serve as the authoritative voice on all things payroll: ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across every jurisdiction we operate in, while partnering closely with Finance, Legal, HR, and our Executive team. This is a high-ownership role for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment and takes pride in running airtight operations.

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role overseeing multi-country payroll operations

• Deep expertise in payroll accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close processes

• Demonstrated experience managing payroll across multiple jurisdictions (U.S. required; international experience strongly preferred), including knowledge of local tax, labor, and statutory compliance requirements

• Proven track record of building or significantly improving payroll processes and systems in a high-growth or scaling company

• Strong proficiency with payroll platforms (e.g., Rippling, ADP, Workday, or equivalent) and HRIS integrations

• Experience partnering with Finance and Accounting teams to ensure payroll data integrity and support audits

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation or equivalent certification

• Experience standing up payroll operations in new countries or regions as a company expands internationally

• Familiarity with equity compensation payroll treatment (RSUs, stock options, ESPP)

• Experience at a high-growth startup or technology company

• Exposure to employer of record (EOR) and contractor payroll models

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package (salary + equity).

• Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous PTO policy, in line with local norms.

Total compensation may also include equity in the form of restricted stock units.

We are committed to pay equity and transparency.

Fluidstack is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans’ status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Fluidstack will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

You will receive a confirmation email once your application has successfully been accepted. If there is an error with your submission and you did not receive a confirmation email, please email careers@fluidstack.io with your resume/CV, the role you've applied for, and the date you submitted your application-- someone from our recruiting team will be in touch.