Sr. Payroll Accountant

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Payroll Accountant to support accurate financial reporting and strengthen payroll-related accounting operations in Irving, Texas. This role will oversee payroll and benefits accounting across multiple jurisdictions, contribute to period-end close activities, and deliver reliable analysis and reporting for leadership. The position works closely with Human Resources and cross-functional partners to maintain compliance, improve processes, and uphold strong financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll and benefits accounting activities during monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycles, ensuring balances are recorded in the correct reporting periods.
• Create and post journal entries, complete reconciliations, and maintain detailed documentation that supports payroll-related account activity.
• Manage domestic and international payroll accounting by reviewing classifications, validating accrual calculations, and confirming completeness of recorded expenses.
• Track and reconcile bonus programs, payroll tax receivables and liabilities, and benefit-related obligations to maintain accurate ledger balances.
• Partner with Human Resources and other stakeholders to confirm accrual assumptions, resolve discrepancies, and support dependable financial results.
• Review spending patterns and period-over-period fluctuations, then present clear variance explanations and insights to management.
• Monitor prepaid payroll and benefits-related balances, applying amortization and recognition methods in accordance with company policy and accounting standards.
• Contribute to stronger financial operations by recommending process enhancements, supporting internal controls, and assisting with accounting system upgrades or implementations.
• Prepare financial reports and audit support schedules, investigate unusual items, and respond to management questions related to payroll accounting and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• At least 5 years of accounting experience, including 3 or more years focused on payroll accounting, preferably within a large corporate environment or public accounting setting.
• Proven background in month-end close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accrual management.
• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, payroll processes, and payroll tax-related accounts.

Skills

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn new accounting systems quickly and adapt to evolving processes and business needs.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and changing priorities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across teams and support audit and reporting requirements.

Benefits

• Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance.
• Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
• Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.