Payroll Accountant - Maui, Oahu, Hawaii

Payroll Accountant - Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island

Company: Hawaiian Electric Companies

Manage the daily activities of the Payroll Shared Services operation for all 3 Utility Companies and HEI, coordinate updating of payroll information between the HR/Benefits system and SAP Payroll system as well as the various systems that interface with payroll, and ensure timely, accurate and efficient processing of employee wage payments and taxes. Manage and enforce compliance with Payroll SOX controls and payroll tax and government reporting requirements.

Manage and support matters pertaining to Time and Attendance and Payroll functions and processes. Serve as liaison between Payroll and other members of the CCOE/SAP matrix organization.

• Manage payroll activities of the Payroll Shared Services operation for all 3 Utility Companies and HEI, ensuring timely and accurate payments and payroll tax withholding for all types of employee compensation, including special processing of vested and non‑vested imputed income plans, special awards programs, relocation programs, TDI and Workers Compensation payments. Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX controls, and legal requirements.
• Coordinate timely and accurate updating of employee payroll information between the HR/Benefits system and SAP Payroll. Manage the setup of all earnings and deduction codes and the taxability of the codes in SAP Payroll.
• Make timely tax payments, file online reports, prepare quarterly and annual payroll tax returns, upload W‑2 to taxing authorities, and address tax notifications as required.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll reporting. Work closely with Corporate Accounting and Treasury on all internal financial reporting requirements and cash management. Validate all tax liabilities and payments in the third‑party remittance and reconcile payroll and payroll‑tax liability account balances monthly.
• Work closely with Human Resources and HEI taxes on any new compensation plans, new or changed employee benefit programs, ensuring special payroll tax requirements are addressed and procedures documented. Keep abreast of Federal and State Payroll Tax law changes and ensure compliance.
• Participate in company emergency response activities as assigned.

Knowledge Requirements

• Thorough knowledge/understanding of Federal and State withholding tax laws, workers’ compensation laws, temporary disability insurance laws, Federal and State unemployment laws.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles including general ledger and cost accounting, normally acquired through advanced college level accounting courses or equivalent experience.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures contained in documents such as Company/Union Agreement, General Information Manual.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications (spreadsheets, word processing, database management).

Skills Requirements

• Excellent written, oral and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and persuade various groups or individuals.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work with a variety of individuals.
• In‑depth analytical, organizational, and conceptual skills for handling projects and programs.
• Ability to remain flexible in demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.

Experience Requirements

• Several years (3‑5) of accounting experience with at least 2 years relating to payroll or cost accounting.
• Few years (2‑3) of supervisory experience in accounting or related field are highly desired.

$72,500.00 – $90,600.00

Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. The company complies with applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for reasonable accommodation during the application process should be communicated to the HR Service Center at (808) 543‑4848.