Payroll Manager/Senior Manager

Janux Therapeutics • San Diego, CA

3d • $124,000 - $145,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Manager will be responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of payroll operations for Janux Therapeutics, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across the organization. This role will serve as a key partner to Finance and Human Resources, with a strong focus on compliance, confidentiality, process integrity, and operational excellence in a fast‑paced biotech environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Own and manage the full end‑to‑end payroll process, including bi‑monthly payroll processing, off‑cycle payrolls, and year‑end activities. Administer payroll within ADP, including system configuration, auditing, testing, and issue resolution. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and reporting obligations. Oversee payroll tax processing, reconciliations, and filings in partnership with external vendors. Maintain accurate payroll records and perform payroll‑to‑GL reconciliations to support month‑end and year‑end close activities. Partner with Human Resources to ensure accurate processing of new hires, terminations, job changes, benefit deductions, and leave‑related payroll impacts. Support payroll‑related equity activity, including RSU vesting, stock option exercises, and ESPP deductions, in collaboration with Finance and external providers. Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and responding to audit inquiries. Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Handle highly confidential employee and compensation information with discretion and integrity. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum 8 years of payroll experience, including multi‑state payroll management.
• Hands‑on experience administering payroll in ADP or a comparable payroll system.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour compliance, and payroll accounting.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner cross‑functionally.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a public company environment and familiarity with U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance preferred.
• Experience supporting equity‑related payroll activity (RSUs, stock options, ESPP) preferred.
• Experience in a Life Science industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the full end‑to‑end payroll process, including bi‑monthly payroll processing, off‑cycle payrolls, and year-end activities.
• Administer payroll within ADP, including system configuration, auditing, testing, and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Oversee payroll tax processing, reconciliations, and filings in partnership with external vendors.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and perform payroll‑to‑GL reconciliations to support month-end and year-end close activities.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure accurate processing of new hires, terminations, job changes, benefit deductions, and leave-related payroll impacts.
• Support payroll-related equity activity, including RSU vesting, stock option exercises, and ESPP deductions, in collaboration with Finance and external providers.
• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and responding to audit inquiries.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Handle highly confidential employee and compensation information with discretion and integrity.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual bonus program
• Incentive stock option plan
• 401k plan with flat non-elective employer contribution
• Comprehensive medical insurance with 90-100% employer-paid premiums
• Dental and vision insurance
• HSA, FSA, and supplemental insurance plans (life, disability, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity)
• Unlimited PTO
• Generous holiday schedule; includes summer and winter company shutdown
• Relocation assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees