Payroll Accountant

Lakeshore Talent is in search of a Payroll Accountant for a contract opportunity with a respected organization in Denver, Colorado. This position is expected to last 6–8 weeks, with the potential for extension based on business needs. The ideal candidate will bring a strong accounting background combined with payroll processing experience and will play a key role in supporting payroll accounting functions during a critical period of increased workload and system implementation.

Pay Rate: $34.00 – $36.00 per hour
Location: Denver, CO 80222
Schedule: Hybrid – 3 to 4 days onsite and 1 to 2 days remote each week
Duration: 6–8 weeks with potential for extension

This role sits within the Payroll team but is heavily focused on accounting responsibilities. The Payroll Accountant will support payroll-related accounting activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, month-end close processes, and financial reporting. While payroll processing experience is required, the primary focus is on accounting support and maintaining accurate payroll-related financial records.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while handling sensitive information with discretion.

• Support payroll accounting functions, including journal entries and account reconciliations
• Process and audit multi-state payroll cycles accurately and on time
• Maintain payroll records, including earnings, deductions, tax with holdings, and employee data
• Utilize Workday to manage payroll transactions, reporting, and payroll-related processes
• Perform payroll bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and system-related issues
• Collaborate with Accounting and HR teams to improve processes and ensure data accuracy
• Assist with payroll audits and provide support for internal and external audit requests
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and analytics for leadership review

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience, preferably in a high-volume environment
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and payroll accounting practices
• Experience performing bank reconciliations and general ledger reconciliations
• Hands‑on experience with Workday Payroll
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification or similar credential
• Experience processing multi-state payroll
• Familiarity with SOX compliance and audit support activities

If you are an accounting professional with payroll experience and are looking for an opportunity to contribute immediately within a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply.