Payroll Accountant

Payroll Accountant

Our client is seeking a Payroll Accountant who brings a strong accounting foundation to payroll oversight. This role focuses on reviewing externally prepared payroll, ensuring accurate financial accounting, reconciliations, and compliance—not running day-to-day payroll processing.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with general ledger accounting, payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and month‑end close, along with exposure to U.S. payroll operations managed through PEOs or external providers. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys working cross‑functionally, ensuring payroll results flow cleanly into financial statements, and improving controls as the company scales.

This role is fully remote. Candidates must be based on the West Coast.

• Review and validate U.S. and international payroll prepared by external payroll providers/PEOs.
• Perform payroll accounting, including journal entries, accruals, variance analysis, and GL reconciliations.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll‑related balance sheet accounts.
• Ensure proper classification of wages, benefits, taxes, bonuses, and equity‑related compensation.
• Support month‑end and quarter‑end close with accurate payroll‑related entries and schedules.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and external partners to resolve discrepancies and strengthen processes.
• Ensure payroll accounting complies with federal, state, and international regulations (with vendor support).
• Enhance payroll accounting processes, documentation, and internal controls.
• Assist with audit requests and payroll‑related reporting.

• Strong accounting background, ideally with payroll accounting or GL experience.
• Experience reviewing or overseeing payroll processed externally (PEO or global payroll vendor).
• Solid understanding of payroll‑related journal entries, classifications, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Familiarity with U.S. payroll regulations; global payroll exposure is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and communicate clearly across HR, Finance, and external partners.
• High level of discretion when handling confidential information.

Compensation: $40-$48/hr. (DOE)

As an eligible contract employee with Vander Houwen, you'll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well‑being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? Vander Houwen does, and we're in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long‑term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies' staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

Vander Houwen is an award‑winning, Women & Diversity‑Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, Vander Houwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

Vander Houwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E‑Verify. Vander Houwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.