Payroll Accountant; SAP - SAPPayroll​/HCM and FI​/CO

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Accountant to own payroll-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and month/quarter/year-end close in a complex, multientity environment. The ideal candidate is hands‑on in SAP (Payroll and FI/CO), highly proficient in Excel
, and collaborates closely with Payroll Operations, HR, Benefits, FP&A, and Treasury to ensure GAAP‑compliant financial reporting.

• Prepare, review, and post recurring and nonrecurring payroll journal entries (gross‑to‑net, employer taxes, benefits, garnishments, PTO/ARO accruals, intercompany payroll allocations) in SAP FI/CO
  .
• Own monthly payroll-related account reconciliations (clearing, suspense, payroll cash, tax payable, benefits, wage liability, accruals); research and resolve variances timely.
• Reconcile SAP Payroll results to the general ledger
  ; validate payroll interfaces to FI/CO and banking; partner with Payroll Ops to address errors prior to close.
• Maintain standardized JE templates and reconciliation work papers with clear audit trails; ensure documentation meets SOX/internal control requirements.
• Coordinate close calendar deliverables (M/E, Q/E, Y/E); prepare flux/variance analysis and supporting schedules for management and auditors.
• Calculate and record payroll accruals and reversals
  ; evaluate materiality and propose adjusting entries as needed.
• Support external reporting and audits (financial statement, SOX, state/local payroll tax) with requested schedules and evidence.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally on new programs (e.g., bonus plans,
  CBAs
  , benefit changes) to assess accounting impact and set up new GLs/mappings
  .
• Drive process and control improvements and refine mappings between SAP HCM Payroll and SAP FI/CO
  ; contribute to UAT/regression testing for upgrades/patches.
• Develop and maintain desktop procedures (DTPs) and policy documentation for payroll accounting processes.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
  , Finance, or related field (
  Accounting preferred
  ).
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in payroll accounting in a mid‑to‑large company.
• Hands‑on experience with SAP Payroll/HCM and FI/CO (posting, reconciliations, allocations, reporting).
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query/Power Pivot, complex formulas, reconciliations, data validation).
• Solid working knowledge of US GAAP
  , especially accruals, compensation/benefits accounting, and intercompany.
• Exceptional attention to detail
  , organization, and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced close cycle.
• Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills working cross‑functionally with Payroll, HR, and Finance.

• CPA (active or in progress).
• Experience in union (CBA) environments and multiple pay frequencies.
• Experience with ADP or other outsourced payroll providers and related GL interfaces.
• Familiarity with internal controls/SOX and audit support.
• Experience with automation/analytics (Power BI, Alteryx, VBA, or similar).

• Technical Accounting & GAAP Application
• SAP Expertise (Payroll schema FI/CO postings, posting models, reconciliation reports)
• Analytical Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
• Process Discipline & Documentation
• Communication & Cross‑Functional Partnership
• Integrity, Confidentiality, and Judgment