Payroll Accountant II: Equity & Benefits Specialist
Listed on 2026-05-31
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Finance & Banking
Financial Analyst, Accounting & Finance, Financial Reporting -
Accounting
Financial Analyst, Accounting & Finance, Financial Reporting
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 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 rockethas 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.
FINANCE
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.
They're attentive, diligent, and meticulous, and are mission-critical to Rocket Lab.
PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT II
Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Albuquerque, New Mexico facility, the Payroll Accountant is responsible for processing and maintaining the company payroll records.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- 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 (401K), 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
- Reconciliation and resolution of discrepancies of relevant 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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
- Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
- Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
- Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology…
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