Payroll Manager

Vera Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera Therapeutics’ mission is to advance treatments that target the source of disease in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera Therapeutics’ lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered at home as a subcutaneous once weekly injection that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and lupus nephritis. Beyond IgAN, Vera Therapeutics is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies by atacicept may prove clinically meaningful. In addition, Vera Therapeutics holds an exclusive license agreement with Stanford University for a novel, next generation fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, known as VT-109, with wide therapeutic potential across the spectrum of B-cell–mediated diseases. Vera Therapeutics is also evaluating the development of MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus, which can have devastating consequences in kidney transplant recipients. Vera Therapeutics retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept, VT-109, and MAU868. For more information, please visit Our values are the cornerstone of our culture. Our values inspire us every day and guide everything we do—from how we hire great people, to advancing our mission together, to achieving our ultimate goal to improve medical treatment for patients suffering from immunological diseases. Position Summary: The Payroll Manager reports to the Associate Director, Accounting Operations, and is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, accounting and other accounting functions related to employee benefit plans. This role also supports related monthly close activities, SOX compliance, and financial statement audits. Responsibilities: Manage the semi-monthly, multi-state payroll processing ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to internal deadlines including W‑2s, tax filings, and benefits (health insurance, 401(k), FSA, stock compensation). Manage ad hoc payroll processing as needed for stock compensation transactions and mid-period employee exits. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and labor regulations, as well as internal controls expectations such as SOX compliance, while staying current with evolving legislation and industry best practices. Lead and execute payroll audits, including ongoing reconciliations of payroll accounts, tax withholdings, benefits contributions, and other deductions. Prepare and analyze payroll reports, conduct audits to identify discrepancies or issues. Work cross-functionally to support compliance and operation of employee benefit plans, such as 401(k), and take a lead role in managing required plan audits. Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues, investigating and resolving discrepancies, and addressing concerns from employees and other departments such as HR and external providers. Partner with Accounting and HR to ensure payroll operations are well-documented, audit-ready, and aligned with evolving compliance expectations as the company scales. Champion continuous process improvement; identify opportunities to automate workflows, reduce errors, and scale payroll operations. Assist with the application and registration for new tax IDs as needed. Maintain and monitor earnings and deductions codes used for payroll processing and the related GL account mapping on the ADP GL Report. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field preferred. 5+ years’ experience in payroll and equity accounting, with biotech or life science industry and public-company experience preferred. Experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll system. Experience with Equity Edge Online. Experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite. Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws, and labor regulations. Ability to multitask and work under pressure to meet strict deadlines. Ability to work independently and in a team. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Experience working with auditors and SOX compliance. Vera Therapeutics Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. Vera Therapeutics is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geography, qualifications, skills, and experience. For this role, the anticipated base pay range is $125,000—$155,000 USD Notice to Recruiters/Staffing Agencies Recruiters and staffing agencies should not contact Vera Therapeutics through this page. All recruitment vendors (search firms, recruitment agencies, and staffing companies) are prohibited from contacting our hiring manager(s), executive team members, or employees. We require that all recruiters and staffing agencies have a fully executed, formal written agreement on file. Vera Therapeutics’ receipt or acceptance of an unsolicited resume submitted by a vendor organization to this website or employee does not constitute an actual or implied contract between Vera Therapeutics and such organization and will be considered unsolicited and Vera Therapeutics will not be responsible for related fees. Fraud Alert To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are a top priority for us. At Vera Therapeutics, recruiters only direct candidates to apply through our official career page at Recruiters will always contact you using the domain of veratx.com. We will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information like social security numbers. If you are unsure if a message is from Vera Therapeutics, please email human resources.