Payroll Accountant

Position Summary

The Payroll Accountant serves as a critical link between Human Resources and Accounting, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll-related financial data. This role is responsible for recording, reconciling, and reporting payroll activity within the General Ledger while maintaining strong internal controls and supporting financial reporting requirements.

Acting as a bridge between detailed payroll data and the organization's financial statements, the Payroll Accountant ensures that wages, taxes, deductions, and employer-paid benefits are accurately reflected in financial records.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Financial Accounting

• Prepare and record payroll-related journal entries, including wages, taxes, and benefits

• Ensure accurate and timely posting of payroll activity to the General Ledger

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes

• Analyze payroll-related expenses and variances

Reconciliation & Account Analysis

• Perform reconciliations of payroll-related accounts (tax liabilities, clearing accounts, benefits)

• Ensure alignment between payroll reports, third-party data, and financial records

• Investigate and resolve discrepancies

• Maintain accurate supporting documentation

Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations

• Review payroll tax reporting and liabilities for accuracy

• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation

• Support internal and external audit processes

Internal Controls & Governance

• Maintain strong internal controls over payroll-related accounting processes

• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and confidentiality

• Review payroll outputs for financial accuracy prior to posting

• Identify and mitigate financial and compliance risks

Systems & Process Improvement

• Partner with HR and Payroll Operations to ensure accurate data flow

• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements

• Support system implementations and enhancements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required

• Minimum of five years of payroll accounting or general ledger accounting experience

• Experience in multi-entity or multi-state environments preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, journal entries, and reconciliations

• Knowledge of payroll tax regulations and financial reporting impact

• Advanced Excel and ERP/payroll system experience

• High attention to detail and analytical capability

• Ability to manage confidential data with discretion

Success Factors

• Delivers accurate and timely payroll-related financial reporting

• Maintains strong reconciliations and internal controls

• Effectively partners with HR, Payroll Operations, and Accounting stakeholders

Compliance Statement

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet business needs.