Payroll Manager (Temporary) at Vividion Therapeutics, Inc – San Diego, California

*This is a 9 to 10 month temporary in-person position, with an expectation of 5 days in-office per week. *

Company Overview:

Vividion is a next generation biotechnology company based in San Diego that is leveraging its proprietary chemical proteomics platform to conduct proteome-wide footprinting of drug-protein interactions with unprecedented breadth and precision. Our technology allows us to screen, identify and optimize novel drugs that selectively bind virtually any protein, including proteins previously considered “undruggable”. Our pipeline and emerging programs reflect a matured and productive platform capable of delivering first in class drugs utilizing novel mechanisms of action (allosteric inhibitors, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, functional activators, degraders etc.) against undruggable targets in the oncology and immunology space.

We prize scientific excellence, creativity, team players and we are committed to continued innovation. We have worked hard to create a collaborative and dynamic work culture where your ideas and discoveries are valued and will have an impact. We are growing and there are opportunities for mentorship and career progression.

Vividion has been recognized as a Top Workplace by The San Diego Union-Tribune from 2022 to 2025.

Position Overview:

Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations in a dynamic, high-growth biotechnology environment. Reporting to the Controller, this role is accountable for payroll accuracy, controls, and effective escalation management, operating within the Finance governance structure.

This is a hands-on, player-coach role that partners closely with the Payroll Administrator, HR/Benefits, and Accounting. The Payroll Manager oversees day-to-day payroll execution performed by the Payroll Administrator, provides guidance and review, and steps into execution as needed for escalations, coverage gaps, or complex scenarios to ensure timely, compliant, and audit ready payroll outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end semi-monthly payroll processing in Paylocity, reviewing payroll outputs, validations, and exception analyses prepared by the Payroll Administrator.
• Oversee off-cycle payrolls (final pay, retro pay, corrections, and bonuses), stepping into execution directly when complexity, urgency, or risk warrants manager involvement.
• Maintain oversight of payroll calendars, cutoffs, approvals, and documentation standards to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues requiring judgment, interpretation of California labor law, or deviation from standard procedures.

Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

• Own payroll accuracy, completeness, and effectiveness of internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with California and multi-state wage and hour requirements, including final pay timing, overtime rules, and meal/rest period-related pay.
• Own employer payroll tax reconciliations and support Paylocity-prepared federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, including quarterly returns and annual W-2/W-3.
• Manage payroll tax registrations for new states as the company hires or relocates employees.
• Apply current federal and state payroll reforms to ensure ongoing compliance and accurate reporting.

Benefits, Leave Coordination & Employee Support

• Oversee benefits-related payroll deductions and reconciliations prepared by the Payroll Administrator; resolve escalated discrepancies in partnership with HR and vendors.
• Oversee payroll aspects of leaves of absence, including wage continuation and statutory offsets, ensuring accurate and compliant pay treatment.

Systems, Close & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and import payroll-to-GL journal entries into Workday using controlled templates, ensuring accurate COA/worktag mapping and balanced entries.
• Prepare payroll-related reconciliations, accruals, rollforwards, and variance explanations to support the monthly close.
• Identify systemic issues and lead improvements to payroll workflows, controls, and SOPs.
• Establish and monitor payroll KPIs related to accuracy, timeliness, exception trends, and audit readiness.

Other Duties & Leadership

• Lead payroll support for 401(k), workers’ compensation, and financial audits, including review of reconciliations, data extracts, and supporting documentation.
• Act as a player-coach to the Payroll Administrator, providing guidance, review, and escalation support while enabling ownership of routine processing and first-pass problem-solving.
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Accounting, and external providers while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
• Support special projects and cross functional initiatives as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this role.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience with ownership of full cycle, multi state payroll operations; life sciences industry experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California wage and hour laws and payroll compliance requirements.
• Strong proficiency in Paylocity and Workday.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including ownership of complex, logic driven accounting schedules.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business, or equivalent practical experience.
• Familiarity with current federal payroll reforms, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, SECURE 2.0 Act changes, and IRS Education Assistance Program requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, prepare reconciliations, validate accrual balances, and resolve complex payroll issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively while adhering to highest confidentiality standards.

Pay & Benefits:

The anticipated hourly pay for this temporary role ranges from $50.00 to $60.00 depending on relevant skills, competencies, experience, and education.

EEO & Employment Eligibility:

Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or veteran status.

Privacy Policy:

The protection of your personal information is a commitment we take seriously. For information regarding our Privacy Policy (CA candidates) please visit https://vividion.com/privacy-notice/.