Senior Manager, Payroll and Equity

Scorpion Therapeutics; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll and Equity to lead all payroll and equity cycles in a fast-growing biotech environment in Massachusetts. You will manage semi-monthly payrolls in ADP Workforce Now, oversee RSU vesting, ESPP purchases, and stock option exercises, and partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and auditors.

You will ensure SOX compliance, multi-state payroll reporting, 401(k) administration, and accurate year-end processes while supporting internal stakeholders and

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years hands‑on multi‑state payroll processing.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now.
• 2+ years equity administration for stock options and RSU programs.
• Excel: Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, reconciliations.
• Strong analytical/organizational/communication skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines with discretion with confidential information.
• Experience with SOX, financial audits, and 401(k) plans.
• Biotech/pharma/life sciences experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process and validate semi-monthly payrolls in ADP Workforce Now.
• Support equity-related payroll processing (RSU vesting, ESPP transactions).
• Collaborate with HR on onboarding/offboarding and compensation maintenance.
• Maintain payroll system accuracy (earnings codes, deductions, tax configurations, pay rules).
• Manage year-end processing, W-2 reporting, 401(k), payroll tax, and payroll audit/compliance activities.
• Manage 401(k) uploads.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/local laws and company policies; review payroll/tax changes and recommend actions.
• Manage multi-state processing/reporting (registrations, withholding, unemployment accounts).
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliations, journal entries, bonus accruals; resolve discrepancies.
• Generate/analyze payroll reports in ADP Workforce Now; process Concur expense reports.
• Communicate clearly with employees on payroll and equity questions.

Skills

Excel proficiency

SOX/compliance experience

Multi-state payroll processing

Equity administration

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Communication

Deadline-driven

Independent & collaborative

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/HR/Business Administration or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Shareworks

NetSuite

Concur

Job description

Position Overview:

Senior Manager, Payroll and Equity will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing for all payroll and equity cycles (semi-monthly payrolls, off-cycle payrolls, equity grants, RSU vesting, ESPP purchases, and stock option exercises), including annual processes such as bonus payments and year-end reporting. Partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and external auditors/consultants.

Responsibilities:

Payroll

• Process and validate semi-monthly payrolls in ADP Workforce Now with SOX-compliant documentation
• Support equity-related payroll processing (RSU vesting, option exercises, ESPP transactions)
• Collaborate with HR on onboarding/offboarding and employee compensation maintenance
• Maintain payroll system accuracy (earnings codes, deductions, tax configurations, pay rules)
• Manage year-end processing/W-2 reporting; 401(k), payroll tax, and payroll audit/compliance activities
• Manage 401(k) uploads
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/local laws and company policies; review payroll/tax changes and recommend actions
• Manage multi-state processing/reporting (registrations, withholding, unemployment accounts)
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliations, journal entries, bonus accruals; resolve discrepancies
• Generate/analyze payroll reports in ADP Workforce Now; process Concur expense reports
• Communicate clearly with employees on payroll and equity questions

Equity

• Manage Shareworks day-to-day; review ADP-to-Shareworks feeds (demographics/taxes)
• Oversee quarterly RSU vesting; process ESPP changes and semi-annual open enrollment/purchases
• Upload stock grants monthly; prepare annual Form 3921/3922
• Support accounting reporting needs and SOX documentation; support internal/external audit testing for stock compensation

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/HR/Business Administration or related field
• 7–10+ years hands‑on multi‑state payroll processing (high‑growth preferred)
• ADP Workforce Now experience
• 2+ years equity administration for stock options and RSU programs
• Excel proficiency (Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, analysis, reconciliations, reporting) and strong Microsoft Office skills
• Strong analytical/organizational/communication/problem‑solving; high attention to detail
• Ability to meet multiple concurrent deadlines; discretion with confidential information
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience with complex tax scenarios
• Experience supporting SOX, financial/compliance audits, and 401(k) plans

Preferred:

• Shareworks and NetSuite experience
• Biotech/pharma/life sciences experience
• CPP and/or CEP certification