Payroll Analyst

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world's first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in , committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a(n) Payroll Analyst , reporting to the Director, Finance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Payroll Analyst is a critical member of our growing Finance team. They will provide essential support for payroll policies and processes, while collaborating with HR, PeopleOps, and Finance teams to maintain seamless payroll operations across the organization.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities :

• Ensure the timely and accurate review, preparation, processing, and auditing of payroll, time and attendance, and compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• Monitor and manage the payroll inbox, ensuring timely responses to employee inquiries regarding timekeeping, deductions, and tax withholding promptly and professionally.
• Prepare and distribute payroll-related documents to employees as needed.
• Utilize payroll software, HRIS systems, and Excel for data entry, calculations, and analysis, including timekeeping system management.
• Stay updated on payroll regulations, tax laws, and labor laws to ensure compliance.
• Assist in the development of a payroll metrics dashboard
• Provide ad-hoc analysis as requested by the Finance leadership team
• Assist with audits and provide necessary documentation and reports
• Suggest improvements to the payroll system and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Collaborate with People Operations, Finance, and other departments to maintain accurate employee data and ensure seamless payroll processes.

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferred Skills and Experience :

Pay Range :

Salary Range : California

70,900-$100,600 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including : 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin / ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $70,900 - $100,600