Payroll Manager

Vera Therapeutics, Inc.•Brisbane, CA

1d•$125,000 - $155,000

About The Position

Vera Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera Therapeutics’ mission is to advance treatments that target the source of disease in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera Therapeutics’ lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered at home as a subcutaneous once weekly injection that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and lupus nephritis. Beyond IgAN, Vera Therapeutics is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies by atacicept may prove clinically meaningful. In addition, Vera Therapeutics holds an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for a novel, next generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, known as VT-109, with wide therapeutic potential across the spectrum of B-cell–mediated diseases. Vera Therapeutics is also evaluating the development of MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus, which can have devastating consequences in kidney transplant recipients. Vera Therapeutics retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept, VT-109, and MAU868. For more information, please visit www.veratx.com. Our values are the cornerstone of our culture. Our values inspire us every day and guide everything we do—from how we hire great people, to advancing our mission together, to achieving our ultimate goal to improve medical treatment for patients suffering from immunological diseases. Position Summary: The Payroll Manager reports to the Associate Director, Accounting Operations, and is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, accounting and other accounting functions related to employee benefit plans. This role also supports related monthly close activities, SOX compliance, and financial statement audits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field preferred.
5+ years’ experience in payroll and equity accounting, with biotech or life science industry and public-company experience preferred.
Experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll system.
Experience with Equity Edge Online.
Experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite.
Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws, and labor regulations.
Ability to multitask and work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Experience working with auditors and SOX compliance.

Responsibilities

Manage the semi-monthly, multi-state payroll processing ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to internal deadlines including W‑2s, tax filings, and benefits (health insurance, 401(k), FSA, stock compensation).
Manage ad hoc payroll processing as needed for stock compensation transactions and mid-period employee exits.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and labor regulations, as well as internal controls expectations such as SOX compliance, while staying current with evolving legislation and industry best practices.
Lead and execute payroll audits, including ongoing reconciliations of payroll accounts, tax withholdings, benefits contributions, and other deductions.
Prepare and analyze payroll reports, conduct audits to identify discrepancies or issues.
Work cross-functionally to support compliance and operation of employee benefit plans, such as 401(k), and take a lead role in managing required plan audits.
Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues, investigating and resolving discrepancies, and addressing concerns from employees and other departments such as HR and external providers.
Partner with Accounting and HR to ensure payroll operations are well-documented, audit-ready, and aligned with evolving compliance expectations as the company scales.
Champion continuous process improvement; identify opportunities to automate workflows, reduce errors, and scale payroll operations.
Assist with the application and registration for new tax IDs as needed.
Maintain and monitor earnings and deductions codes used for payroll processing and the related GL account mapping on the ADP GL Report.