Payroll Manager

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Payroll Manager to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for a growing, multi‑state and international workforce. This role supports payroll for employees across multiple states and international locations with varying pay schedules, benefits, overtime calculations, and shift differentials. The position requires strong attention to detail and compliance expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Process biweekly and monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy across multiple pay schedules and complex earnings scenarios, including overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, and retroactive pay.
• Maintain payroll records and process employee lifecycle changes, including new hires, terminations, compensation updates, and contractor payments.
• Review payroll audits and reports, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, company policies, and contractor payment requirements.
• Manage the end-to-end administration of 1099 and global contractors, including establishing contractor intake and approval processes, maintaining and monitoring contract terms and expiration dates, coordinating renewals and extensions, and ensuring accurate and timely monthly payments through the HRIS/payroll system.
• Support payroll tax filings, year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s), wage garnishments, unemployment taxes, and other regulatory requirements.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and taxes while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, support general ledger postings, and prepare payroll-related reports for Accounting and Finance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure accurate data flow between payroll, HR, Finance, and related systems.
• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field preferred.
• Payroll certification (e.g., FPC, CPP) is a plus.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years payroll experience, including multi‑state U.S. payroll.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high‑growth or technology environments.
• Experience managing and processing payroll runs for equity related income
• Familiarity with payroll accounting (GL postings, reconciliations) and audit support.
• Knowledge of benefits, garnishments, and statutory reporting.
• International payroll exposure a plus

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of all documentation and deliverables.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

Technology Stack

• Payroll processing systems and time tracking required (ADP a plus)
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP); experience with Power BI/Tableau a plus.
• Familiarity with accounting system integrations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Availability to meet payroll deadlines, including occasional after‑hours work during close or year‑end cycles.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands. 

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment 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.