Payroll Accountant

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, record, and reconcile payroll journal entries, including wages, taxes, deductions, accruals, and employer-paid benefits.
• Analyze and reconcile payroll, benefits, and related balance sheet and expense accounts on a monthly basis for multiple entities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports and schedules related to payroll and employee benefits.
• Aid in month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including intercompany journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Collaborate with the Payroll team to ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner, and resolve payroll-related discrepancies.
• Partner with Human Resources to support the accounting and administration of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and other benefit offerings.
• Ensure payroll and benefits accounting complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording and payment of payroll tax liabilities.
• Prepare documentation and schedules to support internal audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits accounting processes and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Three or more years of accounting experience, preferably including payroll accounting, benefits accounting, or payroll administration.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and payroll accounting.
• Experience with payroll systems and ERP/accounting software preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PIVOT tables.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.