Senior Payroll Accountant

Position Location: Flexible 
Apply By: August 13, 2026 

About JFF 

Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve economic advancement for all. Seeing that millions of people are unfairly shut out of quality jobs and the chance for a better life, our goal is to align education, workforce, and employment changemakers toward a shared North Star: By 2033, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs.  

To achieve that goal, we design solutions, scale best practices, influence policy and action, and invest in innovation. With a staff of more than 200 people across the country working remotely and in offices in Boston (headquarters), Washington, DC, and Oakland, California, we operate at the national, state, and local levels, forging deep partnerships with employers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and education and workforce development providers to break down barriers and reimagine what’s possible.   

We’re on a path to ongoing growth and expanding impact. We have an operating budget of $70 million, and we’re funded by dozens of leading government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Learn more about JFF and join us as we build a future that works—for everyone.  

Equal Employment Opportunity at JFF  

Inclusion, belonging, and well-being are core to JFF’s North Star and mission, and we seek to invest in and learn from those who represent the communities we serve as it is important to the success of our work and the engagement of our staff members. We aim to cultivate a culture that centers the overall care, well-being, and success of the employee through flexible work hours, balanced workloads, professional development, and career advancement opportunities for all. 

JFF is a fair chance employer and in alignment to our North Star, we hire based on qualifications, and experience, and we are committed to fair opportunity for all qualified candidates – including those without a 4-year degree or formally incarnated individuals. 

About the Position 

Reporting to the Director of Accounting, the Senior payroll accountant is a key member of the Finance team. This role is responsible for leading core payroll and payroll-accounting functions while supporting broader accounting operations, including reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, audit preparation, financial reporting, and compliance activities. 

The ideal candidate brings strong payroll expertise, sound accounting judgment, close attention to detail, and a service-oriented approach to working with colleagues, external vendors, and regulatory stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and enjoys improving processes while maintaining accuracy and compliance. 

What You'll Do  

• Lead bi-weekly payroll processing in partnership with JFF’s third-party payroll provider to ensure timely and accurate payroll execution. 

• Ensure timely timesheet collection, review, and approval in alignment with internal controls and payroll processing deadlines. 

• Manage payroll tax and year-end processing activities, including 941 reconciliations, quarterly wage and tax adjustments, W-2 coordination, and maintenance of payroll records and files In partnership with a third-party payroll provider. 

• Partner with People and Culture, Total Rewards, and external vendors to coordinate payroll, benefits, and related reporting requirements. 

• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and ensure accurate recording of wages, taxes, benefits, and related accruals. 

• Prepare wage reports and other ad hoc payroll reporting needed for quarterly reporting, unemployment claims, audits, and compliance requirements. 

• Review and improve payroll standard operating procedures and related processes to strengthen efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness across the organization. 

• Monitor internal controls related to payroll processing, employee record maintenance, benefit payments, and other payroll-related activities. 

• Maintain payroll-related employee data and controls in ADP and NetSuite, including updates for new hires, tax jurisdictions, direct deposit, compensation, deductions, and address changes. 

• Respond to employee questions related to pay, W-2s, NetSuite access, and timesheet issues. 

• Lead annual 403(b) audit activities, support the workers’ compensation audit, and coordinate the 403(b) census review and Form 5500 filings. 

• Support monthly and year-end close activities, including journal entries, account analysis, reconciliations, and review/posting of entries from other team members. 

• Support broader accounting operations as assigned. 

• Assist with annual audit preparation, including PBC support, resource gathering, and recommended follow-through on audit-related items. 

• Support grants-related budget monitoring and collaborate across the Finance team to advance department goals and objectives. 

• Manage charity registrations in all fifty states in partnership with RASI. 

• Analyze current workflows and partner with the Senior Director, Accounting & Operations on updates to processes and policies that improve efficiency and accuracy. 

Who You Are  

The qualifications listed within the job description are intended as a guide, and we do not expect candidates to bring all experiences and skills listed. Research supports that self-selecting out of professional opportunities is particularly common among individuals with identities that are marginalized in professional spaces. So, if you believe that you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply so that we can learn more about you and the unique strengths you would bring to work. 

• You bring substantial payroll experience, including hands-on work with ADP Workforce Now, payroll processing, payroll reporting, tax filings, and payroll record maintenance. 

• You have strong knowledge of payroll compliance requirements, including final pay requirements, retirement contribution remittance, benefit deduction remittance, and related controls. 

• You have experience managing federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax requirements, including unemployment insurance reporting. 

• You are skilled at building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and regulatory partners, and you bring a customer-service mindset to your work. 

• You bring 7+ years of relevant experience in multi-state payroll processing managing over 250 employees 

• You have 3+ years of experience using NetSuite or a similar system, along with strong Excel and reporting skills. 

• You are highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, and comfortable working under pressure while meeting deadlines. 

• You communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across functions, and handle confidential matters with sound judgment and professionalism. 

• You have a track record of working successfully both independently and as part of a cross-functional team. 

• You are aligned with JFF’s mission and values and model inclusive, collaborative ways of working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

• You are a curious, adaptable learner who brings a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

What We Offer  

At JFF, we’re fueled by the desire to create a world where everyone has equal opportunity for economic advancement. Our team works hard to push the boundaries of what is possible, and in return, we provide a gratifying work experience, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits program that includes flexibility and choice as core values in order to support people wherever they are in their lives and careers.  

JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC; employees are welcome to use JFF office space to work in-person or hybrid, or completely remote. To improve the employee experience and promote productivity while working remotely, JFF offers an annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees. In addition, new employees receive office equipment as needed.   

The hiring range for this role is $80,000 - $98,000 annually, in alignment to JFF’s Senior Manager salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire’s relevant experience and market demands.  

To Apply  

As part of your application, please include your resume and a thoughtful cover letter, addressed to  Ruth Njoroge outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. 

At JFF, we’re also committed to accessibility and want to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully access and engage with our application and hiring process. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability and/or have specific access/accommodation needs in order to fully participate in our hiring process, please contact us at hiringaccommodations@jff.org.  

Positions at JFF are not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship or open to F-1 student visa holders.