Payroll Accountant II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Rocket Lab’s Finance team is responsible for all financial transactions for the company, operating as a well‑oiled machine to maximize the value of our work. Our Finance team are made up of planners, analysts and accountants, and manage our policies, compliance, and reporting. They’re the ones who keep our financial operations in check, always thinking ahead and taking care to meet all of our financial, business, and government obligations.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Albuquerque, New Mexico facility, the Payroll Accountant is responsible for processing and maintaining the company payroll records.

• Review and process payroll on a bi‑weekly basis for salaried and hourly employees
• Validate and reconcile payroll data to ensure accurate payroll payments, reporting, and records
• Assist with all employee contributions for 401(k), HSA, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESOP), and Stock Based Compensation including coordinating transmissions with third‑party providers
• Process manual checks for terminations and adjustments as needed
• Reconcile and resolve discrepancies in payroll, benefits, and tax general ledger accounts
• Coordinate with other departments (People & Culture, IT, Finance and Accounting) to gather relevant data
• Support month‑end close activities such as journal entry compilation, reconciliation, and reporting

• 2+ years of payroll accounting experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (HS diploma and 6+ years of work experience)
• Proficient in Excel and data analysis
• Payroll and reconciliation experience

• Experience with stock or equity related compensation is preferred
• Attention to detail and deadline oriented
• Experience with Deltek CostPoint or similar ERP system
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now and ADP Workforce Manager

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of…