Director of Payroll and Equity Administration

Job Description:

The Director of Payroll and Equity Administration is responsible for leading and overseeing the global payroll and equity administration functions at TransMedics. This role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls while driving operational improvements in a growing, dynamic environment. The ideal candidate brings experience from both large-scale organizations, with exposure to best practices and scaling companies, with the ability to assess current-state processes and drive improvements.

This role manages the Payroll Manager and partners cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors. It is a critical position in safeguarding employee trust, supporting company-wide compensation programs, and ensuring accurate equity administration, including proper valuation and tax reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead end-to-end global payroll operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing across all entities.

• Manage third-party payroll vendors (including ADP); ensure system integrity, SLA performance, and process controls.

• Partner with HR, Finance, and Accounting to ensure alignment between payroll inputs, reporting, and general ledger posting.

• Lead payroll-related compliance efforts across jurisdictions, including taxation, reporting, and audit requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement efforts by evaluating systems, processes, and vendors, identifying gaps, and implementing best practices.

• Mentor and oversee the Payroll Manager; ensure adequate training, scalability, and succession within the team.

• Oversee administration of company equity programs, including RSUs, stock options, and ESPP.

• Manage equity transactions in alignment with company policy, tax compliance, and regulatory filings.

• Own relationship with the company’s equity platform provider (E*TRADE).

• Ensure accurate and timely equity reporting, including support for employee inquiries, tax statements (e.g., 3921), and global mobility considerations.

• Lead coordination with Legal and external advisors to ensure compliance with local and international equity rules

• Responsible for month-end and quarter-end compensation accruals including accrued payroll, accrued payroll tax, bonus accruals, accrued vacation, accrued 401k/espp 

• Support quarterly and annual equity reporting and disclosures.

• Ensure accurate Black-Scholes valuations for new grants and proper accounting of equity expenses (in partnership with Accounting/Finance).

• Provide data and support for audit, tax, and regulatory inquiries related to payroll and stock compensation

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPP and/or CECP preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in payroll, with at least 3–5 years managing equity programs in a public company

•  Experience working with both large multinational organizations and scaling, high-growth environments

• Deep understanding of payroll operations, payroll tax compliance, and internal controls in the U.S.; international exposure preferred

• Hands-on experience with payroll systems (ADP required) and equity administration platforms (Fidelity, Carta, etc.).

• Working knowledge of equity valuation concepts including Black-Scholes and fair value calculations.

• Track record of process optimization, change management, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Ability to lead, influence, and mentor cross-functional teams in a fast-paced setting.

• High level of discretion and professionalism handling sensitive compensation data.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Certified Equity Professional (CEP or CECP

• Prior experience managing payroll and equity operations in a publicly traded company

• Demonstrated success scaling payroll and equity functions in a high-growth or global environment

• Working knowledge of Black-Scholes valuation models, equity expense accounting, and SEC disclosure requirements (e.g., Forms 3921, 10-K equity footnotes)

• Experience integrating payroll and equity systems during M&A transactions or system migrations

• Familiarity with SOX controls, internal audit processes, and external audit coordination

• Exposure to global mobility, shadow payroll, or expatriate tax considerations

• Strong Excel modeling skills and experience working with Equity/Payroll data in financial close cycles

Every Organ Wasted is a Life Not Saved.

TransMedics, Inc. is a commercial-stage medical technology company transforming organ transplant therapy for patients worldwide. Our mission is to help save more patients’ lives by increasing access to viable donor organs for those who are awaiting an organ transplant. To accomplish this mission, we partner closely with transplant stakeholders worldwide and help expand their access to healthy donor organs, while delivering the highest quality technology, service, clinical care and outcomes.

Driven by a passion for improving patient care, we make the impossible possible and keep our employees at the center of everything we do. Together, we strive to enhance the quality of life for transplant recipients and their families, fostering hope and healing in the journey toward better health.

Maximize your potential at TransMedics, Inc. 

www.TransMedics.com  

TransMedics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.