Payroll Accountant, Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full-Time Professional College Park, MD, US

4 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $79,477.00 To $87,425.00 Annually

Position Title:

Payroll Accountant, Specialist

WHO WE ARE:As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

SUMMARY:AIP is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Accountant to join our dynamic Finance and Administration team. In this vital role, you will oversee the end-to-end payroll process and ensure accurate, timely payroll administration for AIP, AIP Publishing, and select Member Societies. Working collaboratively with our Talent and Culture team, you will manage biweekly payroll operations, maintain payroll tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and support key financial processes including account reconciliations, journal entries, and budget planning.

This position requires in-depth experience with ADP Workforce Manager payroll and a solid grasp of payroll regulations and multi-state compliance. If you are passionate about accuracy, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are excited to contribute to the mission of advancing the physical sciences, we encourage you to apply. Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!

WHAT YOU’LL DO:As the Payroll Accountant at AIP, you will play a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll and related financial activities. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain compliance, streamline operations, and support key organizational goals. Your responsibilities will include:

• Process bi-weekly payroll for AIP and four affiliated organizations, totaling 300+ employees.
• Prepare and post bi-weekly payroll journal entries, including entries for Member Societies.
• Manage third-party filings and ensure timely retirement contribution submissions.
• Maintain and oversee all timekeeping systems and payroll coding structures.
• Review and validate tax filings completed by ADP.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of all payroll-related accounts.
• Monitor and interpret payroll-related legislation and regulatory updates to ensure compliance.
• Create and maintain custom reports within ADP Workforce Now.
• Evaluate payroll processes and internal controls; recommend and implement process improvements.
• Lead personnel budget planning and analysis in collaboration with Finance.
• Support the annual salary and benefits budgeting process.
• Assist with the annual retirement plan audit.
• Manage all year-end payroll activities and verify the accuracy of W-2 forms prepared by ADP.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Management, or related field required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, including with ADP Workforce Manager.
• Experience managing payroll in mid-to-large organizations, including multi-state payroll.
• Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now and Kronos (or equivalent timekeeping systems).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, and pivot tables.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth understanding of payroll regulations and tax compliance…