Payroll and Compliance Accounting Manager

Kforce's client, a dynamic organization in Newark, NJ, is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager - Payroll & Compliance to lead payroll operations, payroll accounting, and compliance initiatives across a complex workforce that includes salaried, hourly, and union employees. The ideal candidate combines strong payroll accounting expertise with hands-on experience managing high-volume payroll cycles, general ledger reporting, union compliance, benefits administration, and audit support.

This individual will serve as the organization's subject matter expert on payroll operations and compliance while driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for salaried, hourly, and union employees
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, withholding requirements, and company policies
• Review payroll registers, deductions, garnishments, tax with holdings, and final disbursements to ensure accuracy prior to processing
• Maintain payroll procedures and internal controls that support accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Manage the preparation, review, and posting of payroll-related journal entries and labor allocations
• Oversee monthly reconciliations of payroll, tax, withholding, and benefit-related balance sheet accounts
• Investigate and resolve payroll-related variances and discrepancies impacting financial reporting
• Ensure payroll expenses accurately reconcile to the general ledger and support budget monitoring and analysis
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities related to payroll and employee benefits

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus
• 5+ years of progressive payroll management and payroll accounting experience
• Prior leadership experience supervising payroll or accounting staff
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, general ledger reconciliations, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience managing complex payroll environments with multiple employee classifications and benefit programs
• Knowledge of union payroll processing, collective bargaining agreements, and related reporting requirements preferred
• Experience partnering with Human Resources on benefits administration, payroll audits, and compliance initiatives
• Advanced proficiency with payroll systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables and advanced data analysis
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across Finance, HR, and operational teams

The organization offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Additional employee wellness and benefit programs

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note:

Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or…