Payroll Accountant II

Overview

Title:
Payroll Accountant II

Reports to:

Payroll Manager

Location:

Chattanooga Office (In-office)

At Paul Hood, we are transforming the mid-market CPA industry into an entirely new model. Our year-round membership approach provides clients with proactive tax and financial guidance tailored to their long-term goals. With over 15,000 clients nationwide and 30+ years of service, we’ve modernized our firm with scalable systems and centralized operations that function more like a SaaS company than a traditional CPA firm.

In response to our continued growth, we are seeking a Payroll Accountant II to support both accurate payroll processing and the preparation and review of reliable financial information for our clients. This role is responsible for collecting, validating, and entering payroll data while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as maintaining strong bookkeeping practices, performing reconciliations, and assisting with financial reporting.

The position plays a critical role in executing payroll and accounting workflows efficiently and accurately, serving both internal teams and external clients with professionalism and responsiveness. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in payroll processing and compliance, bookkeeping and reconciliations, client communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration, along with the ability to deliver high-quality service in a fast-paced environment.

To be successful in this role, you must be highly detail-oriented, organized, and process-driven, with a strong commitment to data integrity and client success. You should be comfortable managing multiple payroll schedules, navigating complex client needs, and interpreting payroll policies with confidence. The ideal candidate is proactive in identifying and resolving issues, communicates clearly and professionally, and works effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

A positive, solution-focused mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment are essential.

• Process payroll transactions, including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions with precision and efficiency. Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, and pay rate changes, by meeting all established deadlines. Maintain client employee payroll records, ensuring data integrity and compliance with company standards.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws, staying current with changing regulations. Share compliance knowledge with team members to promote adherence to best practices.
• Learn new software and systems as needed to enhance payroll processing efficiency. Assist in creating procedures and training materials to educate team members and clients on payroll compliance and best practices.
• Prepare and track client financial information with precision and efficiency, ensuring that all data is accurate and timely.
• Audit payroll and bank accounts at least monthly, verifying deposits and withdrawals with the client’s general ledger.
• Accurately allocate expenditures to the correct accounts following departmental procedures.
• Review data entry for clerical accuracy and prepare accounting and financial reports as needed, ensuring clarity and compliance.
• Engage directly with clients to understand their needs, promote services, and expand business opportunities.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with clients and the team to ensure alignment and deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Maintain a billable percentage of 90% and a realization rate of 90% each quarter.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

• You’re detail-oriented with a knack for accurate data entry and maintaining compliance in all payroll processes.
• You’re knowledgeable about payroll practices, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements.
• You have a good understanding of accounting practices and procedures, ensuring high accuracy and compliance.
• You manage multiple tasks effectively,…