Senior Payroll Manager

The Senior Payroll Manager will be responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of payroll operations for Janux Therapeutics, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across the organization. This role will serve as a key partner to Finance and Human Resources, with a strong focus on compliance, confidentiality, process integrity, and operational excellence in a fast‑paced biotech environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Own and manage the full end‑to‑end payroll process, including bi‑monthly payroll processing, off‑cycle payrolls, and year‑end activities.

* Administer payroll within ADP, including system configuration, auditing, testing, and issue resolution.

* Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and reporting obligations.

* Oversee payroll tax processing, reconciliations, and filings in partnership with external vendors.

* Maintain accurate payroll records and perform payroll‑to‑GL reconciliations to support month‑end and year‑end close activities.

* Partner with Human Resources to ensure accurate processing of new hires, terminations, job changes, benefit deductions, and leave‑related payroll impacts.

* Support payroll‑related equity activity, including RSU vesting, stock option exercises, and ESPP deductions, in collaboration with Finance and external providers.

* Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and responding to audit inquiries.

* Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

* Handle highly confidential employee and compensation information with discretion and integrity.

* Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.

* Minimum 8 years of payroll experience, including multi‑state payroll management.

* Hands‑on experience administering payroll in ADP or a comparable payroll system.

* Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour compliance, and payroll accounting.

* Experience working in a public company environment and familiarity with U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance preferred.

* Experience supporting equity‑related payroll activity (RSUs, stock options, ESPP) preferred.

* Experience in a Life Science industry preferred.

* Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner cross‑functionally.

* Demonstrated integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

$124,000 - $145,000 a year

In addition to a competitive base salary ranging from $124,000 to $145,000, we offer stock options, restricted stock units, a stock purchase plan (ESPP) and a target bonus. Janux also provides a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental disability insurance. Relocation assistance may also be available.

Please note that the base salary range is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, internal equity, and work location.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

* Annual bonus program

* Incentive stock option plan

* 401k plan with flat non-elective employer contribution

* Comprehensive medical insurance with 90-100% employer-paid premiums

* Dental and vision insurance

* HSA, FSA, and supplemental insurance plans (life, disability, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity)

* Unlimited PTO

* Generous holiday schedule; includes summer and winter company shutdown

* Relocation assistance

Schedule:

* Monday to Friday

Work authorization:

* United States (Required)

Additional Compensation:

* Annual targeted bonus %

Work Location:

* On site (San Diego, CA)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYER:

Janux Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing a work environment free of…