Senior Accountant

Handshake · San Francisco, CA · 2 wk ago

On-siteAccounting$108k–$130k/yrFull-time

About the role

The Senior Accountant will oversee the accounting for payroll activities across Handshake's global operations. This includes preparing and reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-, quarter-, and year-end close. The position also involves managing balance sheet reconciliations for various payroll-related accounts and ensuring accurate reflection of payroll transactions in NetSuite.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review payroll journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-, quarter-, and year-end close.
Own balance sheet reconciliations for wages payable, payroll tax liabilities, benefits accruals, FSA/HSA, and payroll clearing accounts.
Partner with Payroll and People Ops to ensure payroll transactions are accurately reflected in NetSuite, and proactively flag discrepancies before close.
Manage accounting for Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements and contractors, navigating the nuances of how those transactions are classified and reported.
Support equity-related payroll accounting, including stock-based compensation, RSU vest activity, and option exercise tax implications in partnership with the Equity team.
Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and responding to auditor inquiries.

Requirements

4+ years of accounting experience with a strong foundation in core accounting fundamentals: accruals, journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and month-end close.
Solid command of U.S. payroll taxes, employee benefits, and compensation-related accounting concepts, including audit support and internal controls.
Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system.
Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large, messy datasets.
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Qualifications

Meaningful exposure to payroll-related accounting — whether as a dedicated focus or as part of a broader accounting scope — ideally at a startup or high-growth company.
Public accounting background (Big 4 or regional firm) is a plus.
Hands-on Workday experience is a plus.
Familiarity with stock compensation accounting and equity-related payroll impacts, including Carta.
Knowledge of SOX controls and public-company readiness processes.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Benefits

Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and empower its employees. Full-time US employees receive:

Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Pay

$108K - $130K

Schedule

Full-time, based in San Francisco, CA.