Payroll Accountant

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Payroll Accountant is responsible for, but not limited to, maintaining the company payroll records which includes, stock compensation, employee benefits and related taxes. You will support the Financial Accounting Manager in the Accounting organization, with deliverables required for effective accounting operations.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Review and process payroll on a bi-weekly and semi-monthly basis for salaried and hourly employees
• Validate and reconcile payroll data to ensure accurate payroll payments, reporting, and records.
• Process all new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates
• Assist with all employee contributions for (401K), HSA, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESOP), and Stock Based Compensation including coordinating transmissions with third party providers.
• Process manual checks for terminations and adjustments as needed
• Reconciliation and resolution of discrepancies of relevant payroll, benefits, and tax accounts
• Coordinate with other departments (Human Resources, IT, Finance and Accounting) to gather relevant data
• Support month end close activities such as journal entry compilation, reconciliation, and reporting

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of payroll accounting experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total work experience)
• Proficient in Excel and data analysis
• Payroll and reconciliation experience

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with stock or equity related compensation is preferred
• Attention to detail and deadline oriented
• Experience with Infor LN, Oracle, JDE, SAP or similar ERP systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate computer, keyboard, and office equipment  
• Clear vision for reading documents, viewing computer screens, and distinguishing details at varying distances
• Ability to professionally communicate verbally and in writing with team members, management, and external stakeholders
• Mobility to move between buildings, attend meetings, and access different work areas  
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing environments with moderate noise levels, dust, and fumes 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$75,000—$95,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment 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, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on rocketlabcorp.com dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.