Greenhouse ·
contractProduct Counsel, Payroll And Fintech
Gusto · San Francisco, CA - Hybrid
Gusto operates a platform focused on supporting the small business economy by managing payroll, health insurance, 401(k) plans, and HR services. As a Product Counsel specializing in payroll and fintech, you will serve as a legal advisor embedded within product development teams. This role involves navigating intricate regulatory frameworks to support the design and expansion of payroll, tax, and payment products. You will work closely with product managers, engineers, and designers to identify and mitigate legal risks while facilitating the development of new features. A significant portion of this position involves driving innovation within the legal function itself by implementing AI-driven review tools and establishing scalable playbooks for product counseling. The ideal candidate is a legal professional experienced in fintech or payments who is eager to move beyond traditional reactive legal support. You should be comfortable operating in an AI-native environment, capable of balancing complex regulatory compliance with the need for rapid product iteration, and interested in building new processes that enhance the speed and intelligence of in-house legal operations.
About Gusto At Gusto, we're on a mission to grow the small business economy. We handle the hard stuff — payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, and HR — so owners can focus on their craft and their customers. With teams in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, we support more than 500,000 small businesses nationwide and are building a workplace that reflects the people we serve. All full-time employees receive competitive base pay, benefits, and equity (RSUs) — because everyone who helps build Gusto should share in its success. Offer amounts are determined by role, level, and location. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy . AI is a fundamental part of how work gets done at Gusto. We expect all team members to actively engage with AI tools relevant to their role and grow their fluency as the technology evolves. AI experience requirements vary by role and will be assessed during the interview process. About the Role: We’re looking for a Product Counsel to join our growing Product Commercial Legal team and redefine how we advise on payroll, fintech and tax products at scale . This is not a “keep the lights on” product counsel role—it’s a transformational opportunity to build the function of the future , powered by AI and cutting-edge process design while working collaboratively within our consumer fintech and payments products to support the risk-adjusted development of Gusto’s payroll, benefits and HR services. At Gusto, Legal & Compliance operates as an AI-native team. We expect every team member to actively leverage AI tools to improve quality, scale, and speed, while designing right-sized human-in-the-loop controls to ensure accuracy and quality. In this role, you will own Gusto’s end-to-end legal advisory support of product development , review, updates, and advancements in partnership with product managers, engineers, design, business development, commercial, privacy, security, risk and other stakeholders while also leading the adoption of AI-driven review tools . You will set the standards, playbooks, and tooling that allow Gusto’s product legal function to scale with speed and intelligence as the company grows. You’ll be the driver of innovation : determining thresholds for review, implementing smarter ways of working, and leading the way in educating our legal and compliance teams—and the business at large—on new industry practices and breakthroughs in smarter product development and counseling . If you’re energized by building from the ground up, pushing boundaries, and leaving a mark on how in-house legal can operate in this new AI-powered era, this role is your chance to do just that. About the Team: Gusto’s Legal & Compliance team partners with product teams to enable innovation, facilitate responsible company growth, accelerate the Gusto roadmap, and provide compliant products to our customers, through solution-focused counsel on legal and business risks. We are passionate about using groundbreaking technology and excellent service to elevate the experience of small business owners and their employees. Each team member is a true owner and makes a tremendous impact every day. Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day: Navigate complex regulatory frameworks to design and mature Gusto’s core products including, payroll, fintech, tax and payments. Look around corners, creatively solve problems, and help define business strategy as Gusto expands its functionality to meet the needs of US businesses that have hired or are preparing to hire employees and/or contractors. Counsel the Product, Engineering, Design, and Business Teams and help them navigate a range of issues related to payroll products and/or partnerships, domestic and international payments, data privacy, and tax. Contribute to the development of scalable processes to manage legal risk and accelerate product expansion. Partner closely with our Commercial Team to advise on product risk, work through redlines, and negotiate with counterparties. Actively test, pilot, and recommend next-gen AI solutions, ensuring the Product Legal team is always on the leading edge of innovation. Here’s what we're looking for: JD degree and a member of a State bar/ active license to practice law. 7+ years of combined legal experience, with experience working in an in-house legal department at a technology company. Experience supporting the development of payroll, fintech, tax and payment products and the launches and scaling of highly regulated, yet innovative, domestic and global products. Demonstrated ability to build consensus and build strong relationships. Demonstrated success in working collaboratively to help business clients understand and own risk-based decisions. Experience creatively solving problems, balancing legal risk and business needs. Attention to detail and the ability to follow through in a fast-paced environment. A collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, cross-functionally, and independently. Experience in wor
| Role | Product Counsel, Payroll And Fintech |
|---|---|
| Company | Gusto |
| Location | San Francisco, CA - Hybrid |
| Type | contract |
| Compensation | Not disclosed |
| Posted | 2026-10-26 |
| Deadline | Rolling |
Typical process for this type of role
A general guide — the exact steps for this specific listing may vary; check the original posting for details.
- 1ApplicationSubmit your resume through the apply link.
- 2ScreeningRecruiter reviews your background against the role.
- 3AssessmentA technical test, assignment, or coding round, depending on the role.
- 4Interview(s)One or more rounds with the hiring team.
- 5OfferOffer letter with compensation and start date.
Before you apply
0/4Product Counsel, Payroll And Fintech at Gusto: frequently asked questions
- What is the salary for this role?
- Gusto has not stated compensation in the listing. Check the original posting or ask during the application process.
- Is the Product Counsel, Payroll And Fintech position remote, hybrid or onsite?
- The listing gives San Francisco, CA - Hybrid as the location and does not state a work mode.
- What is the application deadline?
- Gusto has not listed a fixed deadline, so apply early in case the opening is filled.
- How do I apply for the Product Counsel, Payroll And Fintech role?
- Use the Apply button on this page. It opens the original listing on job-boards.greenhouse.io, where you submit your application with the company.
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['Application deadline: 6pm PT on Friday November 13, 2026', 'Hybrid work: at least 3 days per week in San Francisco office']