Compensation Accounting Manager

Keystone is a premier economics, technology, and strategy consulting firm built to help companies lead through transformation. As breakthrough innovations reshape industries, redefine competition and change our society, complex and highly competitive ecosystems emerge. Keystone advises technology leaders, Fortune 100 companies, their legal counsel, and governments on business, economic, litigation, and regulatory strategy in relation to these innovations and competitive eco-systems. We operate globally from offices in Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., London, Dubai, and Bengaluru.

We are growing quickly and looking for a Compensation Accounting Manager to join our Finance team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong accounting professional to own the full accounting lifecycle for compensation-related activity, including payroll, bonuses, equity, benefits, reconciliations, and close support across a multi-entity, multi-country environment.

About the Compensation Accounting Manager Role

As the Compensation Accounting Manager, you will report to the Assistant Controller and serve as a key member of the accounting close process. You will partner closely with Compensation, Talent Acquisition, FP&A, and Payroll to ensure compensation activity is recorded accurately, reconciled thoroughly, and supported by clear documentation.

This role is well suited to a CPA with public accounting training and private company experience who brings strong technical judgment, discretion with sensitive compensation data, and a continuous improvement mindset.

The role is based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule with three days per week in the office.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Compensation Accounting and Close

Prepare, review, and post compensation-related journal entries in accordance with monthly, quarterly, and annual close timelines, including payroll, accrued bonuses, sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, and other variable compensation.

Own the accurate and timely recording of equity compensation expense, including stock options, RSUs, and other equity instruments, in accordance with ASC 718 or applicable standards.

Record and reconcile benefits-related accounting entries, including 401(k) employer contributions, profit sharing, and other employee benefit programs.

Maintain detailed close checklists and supporting documentation for compensation accounts to ensure consistency, auditability, and timely close execution.

Reconciliations and Multi-Country Accounting

Own reconciliations for compensation-related balance sheet accounts, including accrued compensation, accrued bonuses, equity award liabilities, deferred compensation, and benefits payables.

Investigate and resolve reconciling items on a timely basis, escalating aged or material items with clear explanations and proposed resolutions.

Coordinate with Payroll to reconcile payroll register data to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.

Manage compensation accounting entries across multiple international jurisdictions, accounting for local statutory requirements, currency considerations, social charges, employer contributions, and entity-level reporting needs.

Cross-Functional Partnership, Audit, and Controls

Serve as the primary accounting liaison to Compensation, Recruiting, FP&A, and Payroll, providing timely and accurate data for headcount reporting, budget-to-actual analysis, and compensation planning.

Partner with Recruiting on the accounting treatment of sign-on bonuses and retention awards, including appropriate amortization schedules.

Support FP&A with compensation variance analysis and explanations for period-over-period movements in compensation expense.

Prepare compensation-related audit schedules and supporting documentation, and respond to auditor requests in a timely and complete manner.

Ensure compensation accounting policies and procedures are documented and consistently applied across entities and jurisdictions.

Process Improvement and Technology

Evaluate compensation accounting processes and identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve the quality and speed of delivery.

Contribute to ERP enhancements, payroll system integrations, and related tool implementations that affect compensation accounting workflows.

Develop scalable templates, workpapers, and documentation that support consistency as Keystone grows in headcount and geographic scope.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Active CPA license (strongly preferred).

Approximately 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting experience at a Big 4 firm and substantive private company experience in compensation accounting, technical accounting, or a closely related area.

Hands-on experience accounting for payroll entries, corporate bonuses, sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, equity-based compensation, 401(k), profit sharing, and other employee benefits.

Experience owning compensation-related account reconciliations across multiple accounts, entities, and countries.

Understanding of multi-jurisdiction payroll complexity, statutory requirements, local employer contributions, and related compensation accounting considerations.

Strong close discipline, with a track record of meeting deadlines in a high-volume, multi-entity environment without sacrificing accuracy or completeness.

High proficiency with ERP systems and intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills, including comfort working with large and complex data sets.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with HR, Recruiting, FP&A, Payroll, and other non-accounting stakeholders.

Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and professionalism in preparing workpapers, reconciliations, and communications.

Maturity and discretion in handling highly confidential compensation data across all levels of the organization.

Familiarity with equity plan accounting, multi-currency consolidation, HRIS platforms such as Workday or ADP, payroll-to-GL integrations, process automation, or accounting technology initiatives is a plus.

The salary range below represents total annual compensation across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation will depend upon the level the individual is hired into based on their experience, knowledge, skills and qualifications. In addition to annual salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, 401k contribution, and a culture grounded in integrity, curiosity, and teamwork.

Annual Salary Range $110,000 — $140,000 USD

At Keystone, we value the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives our colleagues bring to our firm. We are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, has a sense of belonging, and has opportunities to grow.

This commitment extends to how we hire. Keystone is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair and inclusive hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.