Payroll Accountant

Our client is an organization in the Milwaukee area looking for a Payroll Accountant
. Our client is looking for an accounting professional with strong payroll knowledge who can take ownership of payroll-related accounting activities while also supporting the broader accounting function. This position offers a balanced mix of payroll and general accounting responsibilities and is ideal for someone who is comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.

The salary range for this position is $81k–83k
.

The Payroll Accountant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Take ownership of payroll processing activities following the completion of employee time and attendance administration.
• Review payroll information for accuracy and resolve discrepancies prior to final processing.
• Maintain payroll data within the organization's payroll system and troubleshoot system or processing issues as they arise.
• Reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger and ensure payroll-related transactions are recorded accurately.
• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, accruals, and other accounting adjustments.
• Coordinate payroll funding and verify that required payments are processed accurately and timely.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and research differences between payroll records and accounting activity.
• Support the accounting components of employee benefits, deductions, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Work closely with HR and other internal partners to ensure employee changes are appropriately reflected in payroll.
• Maintain appropriate payroll documentation and support compliance with established controls and procedures.
• Assist with month-end close activities and other recurring accounting responsibilities.
• Prepare account reconciliations, schedules, and financial information outside of the payroll function.
• Support general ledger accounting and additional accounting projects as assigned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen payroll processes, controls, and system utilization.
• Take ownership of new accounting responsibilities as the position continues to develop.

The Payroll Accountant will possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field preferred.
• Strong accounting background with hands‑on payroll experience required.
• Experience independently managing significant portions of the payroll process.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, general ledger activity, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Experience working with a large payroll/HRIS platform required; advanced system knowledge and troubleshooting ability strongly preferred.
• Ability to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and system‑related issues with limited oversight.
• General accounting experience beyond payroll, including exposure to month‑end close and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Self‑directed with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and consistently follow through on deliverables.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to investigate issues and determine appropriate solutions.
• Comfortable working in a focused, fast‑moving environment where team members independently manage their areas of responsibility.
• Adaptable and willing to take on additional accounting responsibilities as the needs of the organization evolve.

The compensation philosophy reflects the Company's reasonable expectation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience level, and overall qualifications. This role may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary incentive program and company-sponsored benefits, subject to the rules governing those programs.