Senior Payroll Accountant

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why join Handshake now:

• Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
• Work hand-in-hand with world‑class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions
• Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
• Build a massive, fast‑growing business with billions in revenue

As Senior Accountant, you'll own the accounting and financial reporting for all payroll activity across our global operations — ensuring every transaction is accurately recorded, reconciled, and reported. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, you'll work closely with Payroll, People, and Finance/Accounting teams, and be the person who gets ahead of problems before they become expensive surprises.

• Prepare and review payroll journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-, quarter-, and year‑end close
• Own balance sheet reconciliations for wages payable, payroll tax liabilities, benefits accruals, FSA/HSA, and payroll clearing accounts
• Partner with Payroll and People Ops to ensure payroll transactions are accurately reflected in Net Suite, and proactively flag discrepancies before close
• Manage accounting for Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements and contractors, navigating the nuances of how those transactions are classified and reported
• Support equity‑related payroll accounting, including stock‑based compensation, RSU vest activity, and option exercise tax implications in partnership with the Equity team
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and responding to auditor inquiries

• Hands‑on Workday experience is required
• 4+ years of accounting experience with meaningful exposure to payroll accounting, ideally at a startup or high‑growth company
• Solid command of payroll accounting fundamentals: accruals, journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and month‑end close
• Knowledge of U.S. payroll taxes, employee benefits, and compensation‑related accounting concepts, including audit support and internal controls
• Experience with Net Suite or a comparable ERP system
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large, messy datasets
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

• Experience supporting international payroll accounting, including EOR arrangements across multiple countries
• Familiarity with stock compensation accounting and equity‑related payroll impacts, including Carta
• Experience with a close management tool such as Flo Qast
• Knowledge of SOX controls and public‑company readiness processes

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.

Below benefits are for full‑time US employees.

Ownership: Equity in a fast‑growing company

Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend

Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development

Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at