Manager, Payroll

Job Type: Location Type: Hybrid

 

NS Pharma is a highly focused, research-driven biopharmaceutical company working in rare diseases. We’re exploring the potential of cutting-edge science as a subsidiary of Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. In Japan

Summary:

The Payroll Manager is a critical role responsible for overseeing all payroll functions for NS Pharma’s 160 employees, including 40 expatriates and 120 local staff. As the sole payroll professional, the incumbent will manage end-to-end payroll processes, leveraging outsourced payroll service ADP for operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with U.S. federal and state regulations, as well as coordinating expatriate payroll aligned with Japanese parent company policies. This role demands expertise in U.S. payroll, familiarity with expatriate compensation, and strong vendor management skills to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and employee satisfaction.

This is a hybrid role that requires employees to come into the office twice a week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll Management

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for 160 employees, including salaried, hourly, and expatriate staff, using outsourced payroll services.
• Ensure proper calculations provided by HR and process of wages, bonuses, LTIP, and deductions (e.g., taxes, 401(k), health insurance).
• Support in base salary, bonus, LTIP budget calculations.
• Manage expatriate payroll, including overseas allowances, tax equalization, and compliance with U.S.-Japan tax treaties, in coordination with Ernst & Young and Nippon Shinyaku’s Japan headquarters.
• Validate payroll data inputs and outputs from ADP, Fidelity, HealthEquity and CIGNA HSA Bank to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Compliance and Tax Administration

• Ensure compliance with federal, states, and local payroll regulations, including FLSA, IRS requirements, and state-specific labor laws.
• Oversee accurate withholding and remittance of federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance.
• Prepare and file payroll-related reports (e.g., W-2, 941 forms) in collaboration with ADP.
• Stay updated on changes in U.S. payroll and tax laws, ensuring NS Pharma’s practices remain compliant.

Vendor and System Management

• Manage relationships with outsourced payroll providers (ADP, Fidelity, HealthEquity and CIGNA HSA Bank) to ensure seamless service delivery and resolve any issues promptly.

Expatriate Payroll Coordination

• Collaborate with Ernst & Young and Nippon Shinyaku’s Japan HR team to administer expatriate compensation packages, including US salary, Japan salary, overseas allowances, relocation benefits.
• Manage and provide support for expatriates’ individual tax returns
• Ensure compliance with dual-country tax obligations and provide support for expatriate tax equalization processes.
• Address expatriate-specific payroll inquiries, ensuring clear communication across language and cultural differences.

Employee Support and Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related inquiries from employees, providing timely and professional responses.
• Educate employees on payroll processes, tax forms, and benefits deductions, particularly for expatriates unfamiliar with U.S. payroll systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee data with the highest level of discretion.

Benefits and HR Collaboration

• Work closely with HR to administer payroll-related benefits, such as 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, flexible spending accounts and HSA.
• Lead Non-Discrimination Test, True Up Calculation, Filing Form-5500 and Form-8955
• Lead Workers’ Comp Audit
• Support HR in onboarding new hires and offboarding departing employees, ensuring accurate payroll setup and final payments.
• Assist in annual compensation reviews, ensuring payroll data aligns with salary adjustments, bonuses and LTIP.

Reporting and Analysis

• Generate payroll reports for internal stakeholders (Finance, HR) and external audits, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Monitor payroll budgets and provide insights to leadership on payroll-related costs, including expatriate compensation.
• Conduct periodic audits of payroll processes to identify and resolve discrepancies.

Qualifications:

• Proven expertise in working with outsourced payroll providers
• Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders, including Japanese expatriates and U.S. employees.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); experience with payroll software
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English required; Japanese language skills (written and spoken) are a strong plus but not mandatory.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or sole-contributor role.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements (federal and states).
• Experience managing payroll for expatriates, including familiarity with international compensation and U.S.-Japan tax treaties, is highly desirable.

Compensation And Benefits:

NS Pharma employees embrace our Mission to Help People Lead Healthier Happier Lives. We pride ourselves in offering employees and their families a robust Compensation and Benefits package designed to meet their needs, on and off the job.

The annualized target salary range for this role is $95,000 to $110,000; actual salaries will vary and may be above or below this range depending on several factors, including experience, education, training, location, and merit.

Other benefits include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Basic and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, and Employee Assistance Programs
• Discretionary Bonus Programs and Long-term Incentive Plan
• Retirement Savings 401k with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Time & Paid Holidays including a paid Year-End Shutdown.
• Career Development, Progression and Training
• Flexible Work Arrangement Programs

Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026, or until a candidate is hired. Applicants not hired will remain in our Talent community for future opportunity consideration. Thank you for your interest in NS Pharma.

NS Pharma is an EEO employer.