At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a(n) Payroll Manager, reporting to the Director, Finance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Payroll Manager is a critical member of our growing Finance team. The Payroll Manager will oversee the organization's global payroll procedures, ensuring payroll is delivered timely, accurately, efficiently and in compliance with regulations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Manage all payroll deadlines and monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly payroll tasks
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and payroll tax obligations
- Coordinate timekeeping and payroll systems
- System maintenance support including new hire set up, tax form processing, local tax set up, timekeeping input, termination processing, garnishment processing, and verification of employment.
- Collaborate with Human Resources (HR) and accounting teams
- Oversee processing of payroll changes (e.g. new hires, terminations, raises) and system upgrades
- Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely
- Understand state and federal new hire, leave of absence, and termination laws
- Produce audit reports, audit registers, and other reporting inquiries
- Resolve issues and answer payroll-related questions
- Provide support to any project related activities from Finance and HR
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required
- 3+ years of payroll processing with multi-state experience required
- In-depth understanding of payroll procedures, laws, taxes, and best practices
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Strong knowledge of payroll systems and software (e.g., Rippling, Deputy, ADP, Paychex, Workday)
- Professional certification in payroll administration (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional, Fundamental Payroll Certification).
- Experience with audit procedures, tax, and accounting practices is preferred
- Strong interpretation of company policies and procedures in a multi-state payroll environment.
- Ability to thrive at a startup where you will have the opportunity to help create and optimize key systems and processes
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, time management and work prioritization
- Ensures confidentiality and controls access to sensitive information
- Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Aerospace manufacturing experience is a plus
Salary Range: California
$98,000—$139,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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