Payroll Manager

<div class="content-intro"><div style="font-family: 'Instrument Sans', 'Segoe UI', Trebuchet MS, Tahoma, sans-serif;"> <p style="line-height: 1.4;">Vast is developing next-generation <strong>space stations and space infrastructure</strong> using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced <strong>Vast Satellite</strong>, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.</p> <p style="line-height: 1.4;">Headquartered in<strong> Long Beach, California</strong>, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.</p> </div></div><p>Vast is looking for a <strong>Payroll Manager</strong>, reporting to the<strong> Director, Finance, </strong>to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Payroll Manager is a critical member of our growing Finance team. The Payroll Manager will oversee the organization's global payroll procedures, ensuring payroll is delivered timely, accurately, efficiently and in compliance with regulations.</p> <p>This will be a full-time, <strong>exempt</strong> position located in our <strong>Long Beach</strong> location. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>RESPONSIBILITIES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Manage all payroll deadlines and monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly payroll tasks</li> <li>Ensure compliance with applicable laws and payroll tax obligations</li> <li>Coordinate timekeeping and payroll systems</li> <li>System maintenance support including new hire set up, tax form processing, local tax set up, timekeeping input, termination processing, garnishment processing, and verification of employment.</li> <li>Collaborate with Human Resources (HR) and accounting teams</li> <li>Oversee processing of payroll changes (e.g. new hires, terminations, raises) and system upgrades</li> <li>Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely</li> <li>Understand state and federal new hire, leave of absence, and termination laws</li> <li>Produce audit reports, audit registers, and other reporting inquiries</li> <li>Resolve issues and answer payroll-related questions</li> <li>Provide support to any project related activities from Finance and HR</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required</li> <li>5+ years of payroll processing with multi-state experience required</li> <li>In-depth understanding of payroll procedures, laws, taxes, and best practices</li> </ul> <p><br><br></p> <p><strong>PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Familiarity with payroll software/ HRIS (e.g. Rippling) and MS Office</li> <li>Experience with audit procedures, tax, and accounting practices is preferred</li> <li>Strong interpretation of company policies and procedures in a multi-state payroll environment.</li> <li>Ability to thrive at a startup where you will have the opportunity to help create and optimize key systems and processes</li> <li>Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, time management and work prioritization</li> <li>Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment</li> <li>Ensures confidentiality and controls access to sensitive information</li> <li>Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills </li> <li>Aerospace manufacturing experience is a plus<br><br></li> </ul> <p> </p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: California</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$104,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$148,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><div style="font-family: 'Instrument Sans', 'Segoe UI', Trebuchet MS, Tahoma, sans-serif;"> <p style="line-height: 1; font-size: 14px;"><em>We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.</em></p> <p style="line-height: 1;"> </p> <p style="line-height: 1;"><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS<br></strong><br>Base salary will va