Payroll Accountant

Role Summary

The Payroll Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across multiple entities. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working at the intersection of payroll, accounting, and benefits administration. The Payroll Accountant supports employees and leadership alike by delivering precise payroll processing, insightful reporting, and strong internal controls while contributing to audit readiness and continuous process improvement.

This role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with Human Resources and Finance while supporting organizational excellence and employee satisfaction.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Process biweekly payroll using payroll software, ensuring accuracy, validation, and balancing of each payroll cycle

Prepare and update payroll-related management reports and analytics

Perform timely and accurate monthly payroll close activities, including account and system reconciliations and review of accruals

Maintain payroll system updates for employee changes and generate related reports

Prepare medical, dental, garnishment, and benefit contribution and billing reports

Maintain time management systems, including time clocks and employee timesheet access

Process new-hire paperwork and payroll-related changes in coordination with Human Resources

Serve as a resource for employees regarding time reporting and pay inquiries; investigate and resolve paycheck discrepancies

Review, upload, and manage 403(b), FSA, and other benefit data with third-party administrators

Prepare and maintain COB calculations for payroll input as required

Calculate and submit payroll-related data for city, government, or contract reporting purposes

Prepare General Ledger journal entries related to payroll, workers’ compensation, accrued benefits, and other payroll-related accounts

Support benefits administration in collaboration with Human Resources, including reconciliations for medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, personnel audits, 403(b) processes, special projects, and reporting

Compile schedules and documentation for external auditors during annual audits

Manage and provide required data for Department of Labor, workers’ compensation, retirement plan, and other audits

Distribute annual W-2 forms and other required payroll documentation

Support special projects and perform additional related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting or equivalent combination of education and experience

Minimum of three (3) years of accounting and payroll experience

Strong understanding of payroll administration with exceptional attention to detail

Working knowledge of payroll systems and time management software (UltiPro or similar systems)

Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations and internal payroll guidelines

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Ability to explain payroll variances clearly to employees and department leaders

Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision

Strong data entry accuracy and proficiency using a 10-key calculator or keyboard by touch

Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll systems

Desired Qualifications

Experience supporting benefit administration and payroll-related audits

Strong customer service orientation with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative in resolving payroll and system issues

Experience collaborating cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and leadership teams

Location & Work Type

Work Type: Hybrid

Work Environment: Professional administrative office setting

Schedule: Typically 2–3 days per week on-site and 2–3 days per week remote, with flexibility to meet organizational needs

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