Associate Director, Payroll and Equity

Overview

The organization is seeking a highly motivated professional with extensive payroll and equity administration experience to lead and optimize payroll processes and equity program administration. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and provides responsive service to employees.

The organization anticipates hiring for this role (Associate Director, Payroll and Equity) in September 2026.

Responsibilities

Payroll

• Own day-to-day processing of U.S. multi-state payroll using ADP, including garnishments, benefits, and taxes to multi-site employees in accordance with federal and state wage and hour laws.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee transactions (hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, and leaves of absence) are processed accurately and on time.
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliations, payroll journal entries, bonus accruals, and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Own and maintain payroll controls and SOX-compliant processes, ensuring adherence to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and audit standards.
• Review and maintain documentation of payroll reports, including semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports (e.g., gross payroll, hours worked, accruals, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.).
• Manage and proactively address payroll-related inquiries from employees, HR, and other functional teams; communicate with external stakeholders such as federal and state tax authorities and payroll partners/vendors.
• Partner with ADP and other service providers to support accurate year-end processing and W-2 reporting; support workers’ compensation, 401(k), payroll tax, and other payroll-related audits and compliance activities.
• Coordinate with third-party international payroll providers and internal stakeholders to support payroll activities and ensure accurate processing of payroll and equity-related transactions for international employees.
• Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of payroll and equity programs, processes, and controls.

Equity Compensation

• Own day-to-day administration of equity programs, including processing new stock awards, cancellations, exercises, and calculation of tax withholdings.
• Administer data in the equity trading platform (Shareworks) and transfer agent (Computershare), ensuring accuracy of participant information.
• Partner with Accounting, Legal, SEC Reporting, and Human Resources to support public company reporting and compliance requirements, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, Proxy Statements, and Section 16 reporting.
• Reconcile equity activity and maintain accurate records of shares outstanding, share reserves, and participant balances.
• Maintain and enhance SOX-compliant controls, processes, and documentation related to equity administration.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employee and executive equity inquiries, education, and communications.
• Collaborate with HR and Legal on equity-related topics.
• Assist with development and delivery of employee trainings and communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, professional certifications, and relevant experience will be considered.
• 8+ years of multi-state payroll experience, including hands-on administration of ADP Workforce Now or a similar enterprise payroll platform.
• 3+ years of equity administration experience supporting stock option and RSU programs in a public company environment.
• Experience supporting high-growth publicly traded companies, including quarterly and annual reporting requirements.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including taxation related to equity compensation.
• Thorough understanding of payroll internal controls, reconciliations, and audit requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data analysis, reconciliations, and reporting; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Certified Equity Professional (CEP).
• Experience with Shareworks, Computershare, and NetSuite.
• Experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated Pay Range: $163,000 - $183,000 USD

The final offer may vary based on experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as internal equity considerations.

Location

• Remote work opportunities within the United States.
• Due to business considerations related to health insurance coverage and state tax regulations, applicants who reside and/or work in the following states are not being considered: Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, and Tennessee.
• Travel to the corporate location in Cambridge, MA several times a year and attendance at other company-related events as necessary and requested.
• Must have access to a work setting that enables meeting all role requirements at the remote location (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, and ability to video conference).