Senior Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Role Summary:

Spyre Therapeutics, Inc., is actively recruiting an experienced Senior Payroll and Accounting Specialist to join our accounting team. The Payroll and Accounting Specialist will be a key member of the accounting department, responsible for the integrity of the Company’s compensation cycles and equity administration. Responsibilities include full-cycle general ledger accounting, end-to-end payroll administration, equity platform management, and ensuring strict adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. This position will support our increased operational needs as our company grows, playing a vital role in reconciling stock-based compensation, managing payroll tax compliance, and other accounting tasks as needed. Attention to detail and the ability to maintain precise account balances and general ledger accuracy are all essential skills for this position. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and independently and excel when faced with the unique challenges of a scaling organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process, including data entry, tax withholdings, and benefits deductions, etc.
• Ensure all payroll activities align with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including the proper handling of withholdings and filings.
• Perform regular audits of payroll data and reconcile payroll bank accounts to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Coordinate with HR to ensure accurate deductions for health insurance, retirement plans (401k), and other voluntary benefits.
• Act as the primary point of contact for staff regarding pay-related inquiries, resolving issues related to paychecks or tax forms with high confidentiality.
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll workflows and improve the efficiency of the payroll software or HRIS.
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries for payroll accruals, benefits, taxes, and other standard corporate expenses.
• Maintain T&E system including syncing to the Company’s ERP and reviewing expense transactions for compliance with Company policies.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements by ensuring all payroll-related expenses are accurately categorized.
• Maintain and document internal controls (such as SOX compliance procedures) to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and prevent fraud.
• Facilitate the issuance of new equity awards (RSUs, Stock Options, or ESPP) by ensuring all grant agreements are properly executed and recorded in the equity platform.
• Monitor vesting schedules and process stock option exercises, ensuring the accurate flow of data between the equity platform and payroll for tax withholding.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
• 5+ years of payroll and accounting experience
• Experience managing payroll and tax withholdings across multiple states. Experience with international locations is a plus.
• Proficiency in payroll/HRIS and equity management platforms (i.e. Rippling, Fidelity, E*TRADE)
• Solid understanding of the lifecycle of various equity vehicles, including RSUs, NSOs, ISOs, and ESPPs.
• A proven track record of handling highly sensitive executive compensation and employee financial data with total discretion.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, prioritization and problem-solving skills in an environment of high volume of projects; detail-oriented
• Possesses a professional demeanor, discretion and judgment
• Ability to work effectively and establish and promote positive relationships
• Self-starter who possesses initiative and ability to work alone while capable of driving business results without significant supervision
• Must have schedule flexibility to meet the demands of monthly and quarterly close
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with all employee levels and external contacts

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you help shape the culture of our young company, contribute broadly to advance meaningful medicines, and learn quickly.
• Market competitive compensation and benefits package, including base salary, performance bonus, equity grant opportunities, health, welfare & retirement benefits.
• Unlimited PTO
• Two, one-week company-wide shutdowns each
• Commitment to provide professional development opportunities.
• Remote working environment with frequent in-person meetings to address complex problems and build relationships.

The expected salary range offer for this role is $110,000 to $130,000. Actual pay offered may vary depending on job related knowledge, experience, education, and geographic location.