Finance & Payroll Associate (Accounting / AP Specialist)
Location: Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (onsite- local candidates)
Pay: $48-55hr
Onsite Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexibility available )
Duration: 3–6 Month Contract (Strong potential to convert to full-time)
Work Model: Primarily onsite with occasional flexibility to work remotely when needed
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on Finance & Payroll Associate to support the day-to-day financial operations of a growing research organization. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a small, startup-style environment where processes are still being built and a proactive, flexible mindset is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience managing accounts payable, invoices, payroll coordination, expense tracking, and financial documentation, while also helping establish more structured financial processes as the organization grows.
This is a highly operational role focused on managing manual workflows, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting payroll and accounting functions across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable & Invoice Management
• Process and track vendor invoices, payments, and expense submissions
• Manage and maintain accounts payable documentation and records
• Review invoices submitted by internal teams and external vendors for accuracy
• Track invoices through internal systems and maintain Excel trackers for financial reporting
Payroll & Expense Administration
• Support payroll review and coordination with external payroll partners
• Review payroll data and ensure accuracy of employee payments and reimbursements
• Track employee reimbursements, travel expenses, and operational costs
• Assist with shadow payroll processes for international mobility when needed
Financial Operations & Reporting
• Maintain internal financial tracking spreadsheets for expenses and budget monitoring
• Assist with monthly financial tracking, reporting, and documentation
• Support reconciliation of financial records and basic accounting processes
Banking & Financial Administration
• Assist with banking tasks, including tracking transactions and supporting deposits
• Maintain documentation for company financial records and payments
• Support financial oversight of company credit card expenses and payment records
Compensation & Equity Administration
• Assist with tracking internal compensation programs, including phantom stock or equity-related records
• Coordinate documentation and tracking through internal systems and payroll reporting
Finance Process Support
• Help maintain and improve manual financial processes and internal tracking systems
• Support the development of structured financial workflows as the organization grows
• Ensure financial records are organized, accurate, and audit-ready
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or relevant experience
• 5+ years of experience in Accounts Payable, finance operations and payroll administration
• Experience managing accounts payable, invoices, and expense reporting
• Experience supporting payroll processing or payroll coordination
• Understanding of basic accounting principles (GAAP)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet tracking
• Experience maintaining manual financial processes and documentation
• Experience to assist with banking tasks, including tracking transactions and supporting deposits
Bonus
• CPA certification (preferred but not required)
• Experience with shadow payroll or global mobility payroll processes
• Experience supporting budget tracking and financial reporting
• Experience working in startup or small organization environments
• Experience with phantom stock or equity-related records
Soft Skills & Core Competencies
• Humble, collaborative mindset with a willingness to support different teams
• Comfortable working closely with researchers, scientists, and cross-functional teams
• No-ego, humble, can do attitude and willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Ability to adapt to evolving processes in a growing organization
Additional Information
• This is a hands-on operational role within a small organization where processes are still being built.
• The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a manual environment using spreadsheets and internal tracking systems.
• This role can offer flexibility ( as needed) to work a few hours from home and 1 day remote
TCWGlobal is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious belief, or sexual orientation.