Director Payroll

Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. For 30 years we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis and the first and only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and multiple other programs targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in central nervous system disorders. For more information, visit us at Acadia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Responsible for semi-monthly payroll processing for a growing, multi-state and global organization including new hires, terminations, bonuses, leaves of absence (LOA), relocations, direct deposits, wage garnishments, vacation/sick accruals, tax changes, healthcare premium deductions, flexible spending account deductions, ESPP deductions, and 401(k) deductions. Manages third party payroll related vendors, ensures compliance in all areas of payroll and works directly with employees to resolve outstanding payroll inquiries.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepares and coordinates all facets of semi-monthly payroll processing in multiple states including taxation of equity based awards.
• Interprets company pay policies, e.g., vacation, LOA, disability, workers comp, government regulations, withholding exemptions and ensures appropriate deductions are calculated and applied in a multi-state payroll environment.
• Acts as first point-of-contact for employees with payroll-related concerns and/or questions.
• Acts as first point-of-contact for finance with P&P (HR) for any payroll-related issues and administration.
• Proactively identifies and resolves payroll discrepancies and determines most appropriate method of communication to employees.
• Critically reviews and analyzes current payroll policies, including payroll tax implications, to recommend and implement changes leading to best-practice operations.
• Ensures that payroll operations are conducted in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley internal controls. Implements checks and balances to minimize risk of costly errors.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality at all times related to compensation information.
• Manages 3rd party payroll-related vendor relationships, including payroll software, 401k, and relocation firm.
• Prepares and maintains payroll records and reports, including standard and ad hoc reports to ensure data integrity, accuracy and timeliness as required by Finance, HR, and Equity Stock Administration.
• Reviews and reconciles quarterly and annual, federal and state, payroll tax returns.
• Reviews and distributes annual W-2s and relevant documents in our global entities in accordance with tax requirements.
• Prepares returns for multiple states.
• Prepares semi-monthly 401(k) transmittals for employee deferrals and company match.
• Provides documentation for payroll, 401k, and benefit audits; prepares annual 401k 5500 non-discrimination testing.
• Assists in implementing, writing, and maintaining standard operating procedures for Payroll.
• Assists in implementing any payroll related ERP requirements.
• Maintains payroll files and records in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and lead team of payroll analysts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Human Resources or other related field. An equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered. Minimum of 10 years of relevant progressive experience in payroll processing with a focus on commercial biotech organizations with multi-state and global operations. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is preferred.

• Strong understanding of Federal and multi-state wage and hour regulations and payroll tax filing procedures.
• Strong understanding of payroll for stock based compensation.
• Payroll subject matter expertise to advise the company, including knowledge of best practices regarding reimbursement of relocation expenses, taxable fringe benefits and auto allowances.
• Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance experience.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Highly detail oriented, self-disciplined, and ability to work independently with limited direction to resolve discrepancies and issues.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to ensure understanding of specific payroll matters.
• Experience in leading payrolling process improvements – Payroll ERP implementation experience a plus.
• Effective interpersonal skills to resolve confidential and often sensitive issues related to compensation with employees.
• Strong and positive work ethic for a growing team environment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, see, talk or hear in a standard office environment. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Salary Range: $163,000 — $203,500 USD

What we offer you (US-Based Employees):

• Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
• 14 paid holidays plus one floating holiday of your choice, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
• 10 days of paid sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition assistance

EEO Statement (US-Based Employees): We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We would strongly encourage you to apply – especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly as we describe it here.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.