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Payroll Supervisor

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Accounting & Finance, People & HR, Operations
Devens, MA, USA
Posted on Mar 11, 2025
About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.
Combining decades of research, top talent and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.
We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.
Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.
If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.
Join the power movement as a Payroll Supervisor
The payroll supervisor will be the point person and primary coordinator of our US-based exempt and non-exempt payrolls, to ensure accurate and timely execution of payroll for our employees. This role reports to our Payroll Manager as part of our Accounting department. Duties include:
- Overseeing and participating actively in completing all the work of each period’s payroll, including reviewing bi-weekly timecards for discrepancies, reviewing all new hires and change reports to ensure accurate payroll, coordinating with our People Ops team and with employees to resolve questions and issues, and addressing other payroll-related matters as they arise;
- Ensuring compliance with our 401k program;
- Taking the lead on process improvements, including, when needed, changes with UKG; and,
- Assisting with general ledger posting and reconciliation of payroll within the accounting system.
Our organization is growing very quickly, and the right candidate will show an aptitude for building procedures, documentation, and internal controls to support the business as we scale up.
In addition, the right candidate will recognize and embrace active, timely and clear communication with employees about payroll-related matters.

What you'll do:

  • Supervise the team executing each period’s payrolls
  • Be capable of executing all the elements of payroll:
  • Process payroll timely with very minimal/no errors; Execute a variety of computations and adjustments involving gross pay, voluntary deductions, retirement system contributions, statutory withholdings, and leave adjustments;
  • Audit payroll timecards; verifying accuracy and completeness of information; conduct final payroll inspection for approvals/errors prior to payroll run
  • Monitor and maintain knowledge of current federal, state and local laws and statutes applicable to payroll and keeping the company compliant with tax filings, remittances and reporting
  • Set up and properly code payroll transactions and retirement contributions to ensure proper recording and reporting of transactions; Make changes to employee payroll records as necessary
  • Serve as subject matter expert on payroll, procedures, and processes
  • Assist in year-end closing procedures, which may include but are not limited to calculating and posting payroll-related accruals
  • Assist external auditors by providing supporting documentation and other information required for audit and financial reporting
  • Provide great customer service and clear communication for all payroll-related inquiries from employees, managers and/or People Ops
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

What we’re looking for:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Economics preferred.
  • 8-10 years of experience working with complex payrolls and maintaining payroll records
  • Experience supervising other employees
  • Technical payroll capabilities:
  • Strong data analysis, detail oriented, well organized, able to prioritize work and proficiency in Excel
  • Ability to multitask effectively, efficiently perform duties and meet deadlines
  • Ability to read, understand, and complete technical forms and financial reports
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws relating to key areas of responsibility
  • Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships, within the culture of the organization
  • Strong written and oral communication skills is required
  • Ability to work well with others and remain calm under stressful circumstances
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Have an understanding of what constitutes confidentiality, how to maintain confidentiality, as well as its limitations
  • Have a passion for helping people and always trying to do the right thing for employees and the organization
  • Demonstrate the ability to learn quickly and understand specific tasks, their purpose, and how they fit into the “big picture”
  • Productively work independently as well as collaboratively
  • Have a genuine interest about all aspects of payroll, retirement, prepaid expenditures, elective reimbursement, employee reimbursements and deductions, and accruals

Bonus points for:

  • Experience with UKG Pro

Must-have requirements:

  • Willingness to travel to CFS locations for accounting busy periods and deadlines
#LI-Remote
At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.
We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.