Senior Payroll Accountant

Zūm; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Payroll Accountant to ensure payroll accounting integrity and improve processes. This role involves complex month-end closing activities, collaboration with various teams, and leading process improvements. The ideal candidate will have hands-on accounting experience, preferably in a venture-backed or SaaS environment, and possess strong critical thinking and project management skills. Join a forward-thinking firm that is transforming the school transportation industry while offering competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holidays

Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of hands-on accounting experience required.
• Experience in venture-backed or Big 4 firms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for month-end closing activities and journal entries.
• Collaborate with FP&A and payroll operations for financial close.

Skills

Accounting Experience

Process Improvement

Critical Thinking

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

BA/BS in Accounting

CPA (preferred)

Tools

Netsuite

Job description

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About Zūm

Zūm is a rapidly expanding Series E startup backed by industry leaders Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Spark Capital, and GIC, with a bold mission to transform the stagnant school transportation industry. Operating in over 15 states across the United States—with flagship hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle—we are actively extending our reach to the East Coast and Midwest regions. As a technology-driven company, we deploy cutting-edge solutions to manage and operate school district transportation systems while also launching our own charter platform and developing proprietary SaaS offerings. Additionally, we are spearheading a nationwide initiative to electrify school transportation fleets, supporting local utilities by feeding energy back into the grid. We have been recognized as CNBC 50 disruptor, Financial Times 500 fastest growing companies, Fast Company World Changing Ideas.

Who You Are

Reporting to the Director of Accounting, the Senior Payroll Accountant is responsible for ensuring the integrity of payroll accounting and reporting by providing process knowledge, technical expertise, and business collaboration, with a strong desire to improve processes and controls. The position requires an in-depth understanding of accounting and operational aspects of payroll and payroll systems.

What You'll Do

1. Responsible for complex month-end closing activities, journal entries, account analysis, intercompany transactions, payroll analysis, account reconciliation, and month-end consolidation.
2. Collaborate with FP&A, Payroll operations, other accounting colleagues, and third-party service providers to execute the financial close, provide guidance, and improve processes.
3. Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead efforts to implement changes.
4. Streamline existing processes for efficiency and future growth.
5. Participate in projects related to new or existing processes/implementations.
6. Complete external audit requests, tax requests, and ad-hoc organizational requests.
7. Support company initiatives as directed by management.

What You Bring To Zūm

1. 4-6 years of hands-on accounting experience.
2. Experience in venture-backed, publicly listed, or Big 4 firms, preferably in cleantech, software, or SaaS companies.
3. Strong system knowledge, preferably Netsuite.
4. Critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and process improvement abilities.
5. Attention to detail, organization, and continuous improvement mindset.
6. Ability to meet critical deadlines.
7. Self-starter attitude with a positive impact focus.
8. Effective project management skills.
9. Strong communication skills.
10. Ability to work independently and in teams.
11. BA/BS degree in Accounting; CPA preferred but not required.

The targeted salary range is $114,000 - $132,000, with additional benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), holidays, wellness programs, and more. Compensation may vary based on location, skills, and experience.