Handshake

AI

SeniorPayrollAccountant

$108–130k San Francisco, California, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.

The Brief

“Senior Payroll Accountant at Handshake. Skills: Payroll accounting, Financial reporting, Balance sheet reconciliations. Prepare payroll journal entries. Review payroll journal entries”

Industry & Context.

AI

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Hands-on Workday experience, 4+ years accounting experience, Meaningful exposure to payroll accounting, Solid command of payroll accounting fundamentals, Knowledge of U.S. payroll taxes, Knowledge of employee benefits, Knowledge of compensation-related accounting concepts, Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP, Advanced Excel skills, Comfort working with large datasets, Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Nice to Have

Experience supporting international payroll accounting, Experience with EOR arrangements, Familiarity with stock compensation accounting, Familiarity with equity-related payroll impacts, Experience with Carta, Experience with a close management tool, Knowledge of SOX controls, Knowledge of public-company readiness processes

What You'll Do.

Prepare payroll journal entries

Review payroll journal entries

Prepare account reconciliations

Review account reconciliations

Prepare supporting schedules

Own balance sheet reconciliations

Partner with Payroll and People Ops

Ensure payroll transactions are reflected

Flag discrepancies before close

Manage accounting for EOR arrangements

Manage accounting for contractors

Support equity-related payroll accounting

Support internal audits

Support external audits

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Payroll team; People Ops team; Finance/Accounting teams; Equity team

Full Job Description

ABOUT HANDSHAKE Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale. Why join Handshake now: - Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel - Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions - Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others - Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue THE ROLE As Senior Payroll Accountant, you'll own the accounting and financial reporting for all payroll activity across our global operations — ensuring every transaction is accurately recorded, reconciled, and reported. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, you'll work closely with Payroll, People, and Finance/Accounting teams, and be the person who gets ahead of problems before they become expensive surprises. - Prepare and review payroll journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-, quarter-, and year-end close - Own balance sheet reconciliations for wages payable, payroll tax liabilities, benefits accruals, FSA/HSA, and payroll clearing accounts - Partner with Payroll and People Ops to ensure payroll transactions are accurately reflected in NetSuite, and proactively flag discrepancies before close - Manage accounting for Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements and contractors, navigating the nuances of how those transactions are classified and reported - Support equity-related payroll accounting, including stock-based compensation, RSU vest activity, and

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