Senior Payroll and Compliance Analyst

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION 

The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, in partnership with Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, unlocks philanthropy to transform health for children and families in Northern California - and around the world. Through fundraising and grantmaking, the Foundation drives scientific research, innovation, and policy change that will improve care, advance cures, and reform healthcare systems for this and future generations.  

MAIN FOCUS: You will be responsible for all aspects of payroll processing, including all related tax filings, ensuring compliance with labor laws. In addition, you will manage the Foundation’s regulatory and compliance filings, prepare accounting general ledger and month end reconciliations, and participate in external and internal audit support.

LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA (hybrid); the successful candidate for this role will be based in the Bay Area.

WHAT YOU'LL DO... 

You will report to the Accounting Manager and be primarily accountable for all payroll related tasks, including semi-monthly processing, ad hoc payroll activities, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role will also play a key role supporting accounting operations, month end close and other projects. You’ll be successful if you are a detailed and proactive individual with a deep knowledge of payroll taxes, labor laws, and non-profit regulatory compliance. You will leverage systems to develop new processes or refine existing ones to scale with the organization’s growth.

The compensation range for this role is between $95k-$110k annually.

YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR...

Payroll

• Work closely with the Staff Accountant to process semi-monthly multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees in the U.S., ensuring timely and accurate payments
• Review payroll deductions and adjustments for accuracy, including the retirement plan contributions, each pay cycle
• Manage non-routine pay such as terminations, garnishments, bonuses, PTO adjustments, retroactive payments, and other pay modifications
• Set up new states for payroll processing, including configuring state-specific taxes deductions, and related filings
• Serve as the company liaison for the Accounting Department to field questions, educate colleagues, and resolve issues regarding payroll
• Work closely with Human Resources to address payroll-related issues and identify opportunities to improve payroll processes
• Maintain accurate payroll records for audit and in accordance with best practices

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations, including accurate withholding, periodic reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes or fees
• Collaborate with Human Resources or Rippling customer support to resolve payroll issues
• Prepare payroll data requests for 401k non-discrimination testing and the annual workers compensation and 401k audits
• Prepare various local, state, and federal reports, filings, and registrations

Accounting, audit, and reporting

• Perform all payroll and payroll tax journal entries, including accounting for areas such as 401(k), deferred compensation, medical benefits, and bonuses
• Prepare payroll and related account reconciliations monthly and ensure outstanding reconciling items are cleared on a timely basis
• Assist in internal and external audits by providing documentation and timely responses to auditors
• Provide compensation information to support financial reporting, budgeting, tax filings, surveys, and other ad hoc requests
• Support monthly reporting process for the endowment and other investments
• Participate in projects and duties to support the accounting team as needed

YOU MUST HAVE...

• 5+ years of experience in payroll and compliance positions
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or equivalent work experience
• Experience with Rippling, Paychex, ADP, or other payroll sy