Payroll Manager

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.

Why This Role Matters

The Payroll Manager will oversee all aspects of the company's payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while complying with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Key responsibilities include processing payroll, recording monthly payroll accounting, maintaining payroll systems and records, resolving discrepancies, and collaborating with People Ops/HR and Finance.

What You'll Do

• Manage the bi-weekly payroll process from start to finish, including ensuring that all wages, deductions and taxes are calculated correctly for multi- state payroll, including shift differentials, overtime, variable pay, leave programs, benefits, garnishments, etc.
• Prepare and post journal entries, reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and ensure accurate financial recordkeeping in accordance with GAAP.
• Work closely with People Ops/HR and Finance to manage employee data, execute audits and deliver reporting, including labor cost analysis and headcount trends.
• Maintain, update and troubleshoot the payroll system, resolve technical issues and teach personnel best practices.
• Stay up-to-date on all relevant payroll laws and regulations and implement necessary changes to ensure compliance with tax filings and statutory reporting for relevant geographies.
• Develop and maintain payroll policies and procedures. Manage timekeeping systems and accurate and confidential record-keeping.
• Deliver payroll support to the organization by promptly addressing employee inquiries and resolving issues with accuracy, empathy and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvements in payroll operations, introducing automation and controls that scale with growth and enhance the payroll experience for the organization.
  
  

What You Bring

• A minimum five years of experience in full-cycle payroll processing and payroll accounting in a multi-state environment for both exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Proficient with payroll software, enterprise level timekeeping and strong computer skills.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state and local payroll laws, tax regulations and reporting requirements, particularly in New Mexico and California.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce including both exempt and non-exempt employees.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail to analyze data, identify discrepancies, develop solutions and ensure compliance.
• Ability to manage sensitive data with discretion, accuracy and confidentiality.
• A basic understanding of GAAP.
  
  

Bonus Points For

• Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a startup, high-growth environment or manufacturing companies.
  
  

Pay Range

$140,000—$150,000 USD

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary
• Equity plan
• 6% employer 401k matching
• Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  
  

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.