Payroll Manager

About HelionWe are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised over $1 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high-power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). We are now operating Polaris, our next prototype on the path to the world's first fusion power plant.This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths – values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.What You Will Be Doing:Reporting to the Controller, you will oversee Helion’s day-to-day payroll activities, stand up Helion’s payroll function, ensure compliance across jurisdictions while building scalable payroll processes. This is an onsite role that reports directly to our Controller at our Everett, WA office.You Will:Oversee end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour lawsManage payroll inquiries and issues, ensuring timely, compliant resolutionsReview and approve payroll related journal entries and reconciliationsPartner with HR, Legal, and the Controller in managing the equity compensation programAudit, reconcile, and fund 401(k) contributions associated with each payroll. Research and resolve discrepancies in real timeFulfill external audit requests and support business partners through ad-hoc reporting and regular reconciliationsRequired Skills:8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a management roleProven success leading payroll functions in high-growth, technology-driven environmentsHands-on experience with Dayforce and equity compensation, including process design and optimizationStrong understanding of federal and state wage and hour laws related to payrollAdvanced Excel skills (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP) #LI-OnsiteBenefitsOur total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families • 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days) • 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break • Up to 5% employer 401(k) match • Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance • Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks) • Annual wellness stipendHelion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.