Senior Manager, Payroll & Equity

At Viridian, we are focused on developing best-in-class medicines for people living with autoimmune and rare diseases. Leveraging our team’s expertise in antibody discovery and engineering, we have created a robust pipeline of differentiated investigational therapeutic candidates for well-validated targets.

Viridian is a fast-paced, high growth biotech preparing for commercialization. Reporting to the VP, Finance the Senior Manager, Payroll and Equity will be responsible for the accurate, timely and compliant processing for all payroll and equity cycles, including semi-monthly payrolls, special/off-cycle payrolls, equity grants, RSU vesting and stock option exercises, as well as annual processes such as bonus payments and year-end reporting. This role requires excellence in operational execution and strong communication skills. The successful candidate thrives in a dynamic, high-accountability environment, is able to manage multiple workflows and will partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and external auditors and consultants.

This role is based in our Waltham, MA headquarters. Our office-based employees are required to work in the office three (3) days a week.

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Process and validate semi-monthly payrolls in UKG, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and SOX-compliant documentation
• Prepare and process special payrolls, including RSU vesting and stock option exercises
• Manage multi-state processing and reporting, including state tax registrations, withholding accounts, and unemployment accounts
• Maintain payroll system accuracy, including earnings codes, deductions, tax configurations, and pay rules
• Own year-end payroll activities, including review of forms 3921/3922, W-2, as well as fringe benefit reporting, 401k limits, and ensuring accuracy of state tax rates
• Administer other payroll-related compliance requirements and reporting
• Escalate payroll or equity issues early, providing clear recommendations for resolution
• Provide clear, prompt, professional and accurate communication to employees regarding payroll and equity questions
• Draft employee-facing messages with impeccable grammar, accuracy and tone
• Proactively communicate payroll timelines and status updates to all stakeholders; communicate professionally and clearly with internal partners, with a focus on accuracy, clarity and timeliness
• Handle sensitive employee issues with professionalism, confidentiality and urgency
• Run weekly and monthly reports for Finance team members
• Provide support on workers’ compensation, 401(k), and KPMG audits, and provide workers’ compensation data for insurance as needed
• Upload grants and ESPP contributions to Fidelity and Certent platforms
• Ensure employee data is accurate in equity platforms
• Manage ESPP purchases and ensure enrollments are properly recorded for new offering periods
• Manage RSU vesting events to ensure appropriate tax withholding
• Maintain and update FAQs to support consistent communication
• Develop, maintain, and implement policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance to internal controls
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve processes and automate tasks
• Maintain consistent visibility and availability during core business hours.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field, CPP designation a plus
• 7 years of hands-on payroll processing experience, ideally in high-growth environments
• Strong experience with multi-state payroll and complex tax scenarios
• Proficiency with UKG, and experience with equity platforms (Fidelity and Certent) and ERP systems (NetSuite)
• Experience supporting SOX, financial and compliance audits, and 401(k) plans
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines with accuracy; strong sense of ownership, accountability and follow through
• A focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a high-growth, fast paced environment
• Strong preference for experience at a publicly traded company, preferably in the biotech/ pharma industry
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proven mindset of proactive continuous improvement
• Efficient independent worker with ability to focus and drive for results
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to handle multiple tasks
• Strong commitment to ethical standards
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.); strong Excel skills required with ability to produce clear, auditable data
• The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience

Viridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

· Competitive pay and stock options for all employees

· Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of premiums paid by Viridian for employees and their eligible dependents

· Fertility and mental health programs

· Short- and long-term disability coverage

· Life, Travel and AD&D

· 401(k) Company Match with immediate company vest

· Employee Stock Purchase plan

· Generous vacation plan and paid company holiday shutdowns

· Various mental, financial, and proactive physical health programs covered by Viridian

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, and Local laws. Viridian will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.