Staff Accountant; Payroll; Ashland, KY

Staff Accountant (Payroll) (Ashland, KY)

Pathways complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy status, victim status, marital status, member of the armed services or covered veteran status, or any other status that is protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

This policy includes, but is not limited to: recruitment, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, termination, compensation, benefits, layoffs, training, and social and recreational programs.

Salary: $45,000 – $50,000 (commensurate with experience)

Position Type: Full-Time

We are seeking a Staff Accountant with strong, hands-on payroll experience to join our finance team. Payroll is a core function of this role and will be a primary responsibility. The ideal candidate will have at least 3+ years of direct payroll experience
, including processing, payroll taxes, fringe benefits, reconciliations, and general ledger coding, along with a solid accounting background supporting AP, AR, and general ledger functions. This role requires someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working independently on critical accounting and payroll processes.

Payroll:

• Process payroll accurately and timely on a regular schedule
• Manage payroll taxes, filings, and related reconciliations
• Administer and account for fringe benefits and related deductions
• Ensure proper GL coding of payroll entries
• Prepare and post payroll journal entries, accruals, and prepaid entries
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts
• Provide general oversight and support of payroll processes and controls

Accounting:

• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions
• Reconcile key general ledger accounts
• Support month-end and year-end close activities
• Assist with financial reports, schedules, and internal reporting
• Prepare and maintain accurate accounting records and documentation
• Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and substantial accounting/payroll experience
• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on payroll experience (processing, taxes, benefits, reconciliations, GL)
• Strong overall accounting and bookkeeping knowledge
• Experience with general ledger, debits/credits, chart of accounts
• Working knowledge of AP and AR processes

• Strong Excel skills (including working with reports, reconciliations, and data analysis)
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Comfortable handling confidential and sensitive payroll information
• Experience improving or maintaining accounting/payroll processes is a plus