Senior Payroll Specialist

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role

You are the primary owner of the payroll function, including accurate calculation and payment processing of employee payroll, registration and recording of taxes, and upholding the state and federal policies and regulations.  You are driven, have excellent communication skills, and are adaptable to an ever-changing environment. You are committed to being truthful and honest; as well as dedicated to upholding accuracy in the work you perform.  You will demonstrate leadership in your individual tasks, as well as collaborative work with the People and Finance teams.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage, update, and implement the company policies, as well as those required by the State and Federal government
• Process payroll for the organization, including: multi-state, multi-subsidiary, exempt & non-exempt payroll status
• Based on your expertise, execute calculations for pro-ration, gross-ups, other compensation, etc
• Manage new tax registrations, rate information, and ensure all taxes are paid and reported accurately and timely
• Have a working knowledge of rules and regulations such as paid-family leave, termination of benefits, etc
• Complete regular internal audits, and support external audit requests
• Work cross-functionally with the People and Finance teams to complete larger company-wide tasks, such as evaluation of health benefit providers
• Plan and complete 2-4 projects each quarter, which support the company’s key objects for the year
• Prepare invoicing and reporting as required by health benefit providers, 401k provider, etc.
• Contribute to maintaining the integration of various systems across benefit providers, HRIS, payroll, and ERP
• Process month-end close reconciliations, as related to compensation, payroll taxes, and health benefits
• Sole ownership of the payroll email inbox, including all internal and external requests, queries, etc.
• Work directly and autonomously with employees to address disputes, provide expert advice, and/or execute changes
• Assist with identifying risks and opportunities, implementing controls and best practices for optimization, and maintaining proper process documentation
• Provide support for other ad hoc analyses and projects, including regular assessment of policies and processes
• Collaborate with People Team to ensure payrolls are complete and accurate

 Qualifications 

• BA/BS in Accounting/Finance/Economics/Business Administration
• 4 to 6 years of experience at a startup/technology centric company (preferably on the accounting and/or HR teams)
• Experience with a payroll system such as Namely (preferred), ADP, etc
• Strong knowledge of tax and wage laws
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and awareness of GAAP
• Experience working