Senior Payroll Accountant

About the role

The Senior Payroll Accountant will oversee the accurate recording and reconciliation of all payroll activity, ensuring compliance with U.S. payroll taxes, employee benefits, and compensation-related accounting standards. This role requires a strong foundation in core accounting fundamentals and meaningful exposure to payroll-related accounting.

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 attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• 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 position in San Francisco, CA.