Payroll Tax Accountant

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers and maintains payroll accounting processes to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, taxes, and related payroll transactions.
• Prepares, reviews, and reconciles payroll-related journal entries, general ledger accounts, accruals, and account balances in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and company policies.
• Performs monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of payroll accounts, including wages, taxes, benefits, paid time off liabilities, workers' compensation, garnishments, and other payroll-related liabilities.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including the accurate calculation, withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
• Prepares, reviews, and files payroll tax returns and related reports, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, W-3, state unemployment returns, local tax filings, and other required regulatory submissions.
• Covers payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, tax rate updates, and notices with federal, state, and local tax agencies.
• Researches, analyzes, and resolves payroll tax discrepancies, agency notices, employee tax inquiries, and payroll audit findings.
• Maintains confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensures compliance with applicable privacy, data protection, and record retention requirements.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, along with six or more years of progressive accounting experience with a bachelor’s degree, or four or more years of experience with a master’s degree.
• Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of accounting theories, concepts, and principles, as well as a thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Preferred experience includes working knowledge of SAP, SuccessFactors, and multi-state tax agency systems, as well as strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Possesses strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments to meet deadlines and project milestones.
• Maintains a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence and customer service.
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues, interpret data, and develop effective solutions to complex problems.
• Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills to document, report, and present findings clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with employees at all levels, including management and senior external stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to the development and implementation of new processes and systems, and communicate new concepts effectively.
• Ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource on external projects and represent the company professionally.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work extended hours as required.