Payroll Specialist

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

The payroll specialist will be the primary coordinator of our US-based exempt and non-exempt payrolls in UKG Pro, to ensure accurate and timely execution of payroll for our employees. This role reports to our Payroll Manager as part of our Accounting department. Duties will include reviewing bi-weekly timecards for discrepancies, reviewing all new hires and change reports to ensure accurate payroll, ensuring compliance with our 401k program, coordinating with our People Ops team and with employees to resolve questions and issues, and assisting with general ledger posting and reconciliation of payroll within the accounting system. Our organization is growing very quickly, and the right candidate will show an aptitude for building procedures, documentation, and internal controls to support the business as we scale up.

• Process payroll timely with very minimal/no errors; Execute a variety of computations and adjustments involving gross pay, voluntary deductions, retirement system contributions, statutory withholdings, and leave adjustments;
• Audit payroll timecards; verifying accuracy and completeness of information; conduct final payroll inspection for approvals/errors prior to payroll run.
• Monitor and maintain knowledge of current federal, state and local laws and statutes applicable to payroll and keeping the company compliant with tax filings, remittances and reporting    
• Set up and properly code payroll transactions and retirement contributions to ensure proper recording and reporting of transactions; Make changes to employee payroll records as necessary
• Serve as subject matter expert on payroll, procedures, and processes
• Assist in year-end closing procedures, which may include but are not limited to calculating and posting payroll-related accruals
• Assist external auditors by providing supporting documentation and other information required for audit and financial reporting
• Provide great customer service and clear communication for all payroll-related inquiries from employees, managers and/or People Ops
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Economics preferred.
• 4 - 6 years of experience working with complex payrolls and maintaining payroll records
• Strong data analysis, detail oriented, well organized, able to prioritize work and proficiency in Excel
• Ability to multitask effectively, efficiently perform duties and meet deadlines
• Ability to read, understand, and complete technical forms and financial reports
• Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships, within the culture of the organization
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws relating to key areas of responsibility
• Strong written and oral communication skills is required
• Ability to work well with others and remain calm under stressful circumstances
• Exceptional communication skills
• Have an understanding of what constitutes confidentiality, how to maintain confidentiality, as well as its limitations
• Have a passion for helping people and always trying to do the right thing for employees and the organization
• Demonstrate the ability to learn quickly and understand specific tasks, their purpose, and how they fit into the “big picture”
• Productively work independently as well as collaboratively
• Have a genuine interest about all aspects of payroll, retirement, prepaid expenditures, elective reimbursement, employee reimbursements and deductions, and accruals 

• Experience with UKG Pro

• Willingness to travel to CFS locations for accounting busy periods and deadlines
• #LI-Remote

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.