Payroll & General Ledger Accountant

Payroll & General Ledger Accountant

Northwest Center is seeking a Payroll & General Ledger Accountant to join our Accounting team. Under the direction of the Accounting Manager, this role is responsible for the accurate processing of bi‑weekly payroll for approximately 1,000 employees, as well as supporting core general ledger and accounting functions. The Payroll & General Ledger Accountant manages payroll, prepares and posts accounting transactions, reconciles balance sheet accounts, and supports audits and financial documentation.

Pay Range: $36.05 – $40.86 per hour |
Schedule: Full‑time, Monday–Friday |
Location: Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance, effective the month after 30 days of employment
• 17 Accrued Paid Time Off Days Annually
• 7 Paid Holidays + 1 Day of Floating Holiday; 3 Floating Holiday days annually after one year
• Parental Leave & Paid Compassion Leave
• Retirement 401(K) with a company match
• Employment Assistance Program (EAP) via Spring Health
• Mental Wellness Program including six free therapy sessions per year
• Opportunity for career development with our NWC Mentorship Match program
• Wellness Reimbursement Program - $25/month
• Student Loan Contribution Program - $50/month
• Pet Insurance Discount Program

• Prepare and process bi‑weekly payroll including manual payroll checks as required
• Audit employee timesheets, payroll data, earnings, deductions, reimbursements, and union deductions; ensure accurate remittance and record‑keeping
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including taxes, withholding, unemployment, worker’s compensation, and union agreements
• Research, resolve, and clearly communicate payroll discrepancies with HR, Operations, and Finance
• Analyze and reconcile Payroll Balance Sheet accounts, which includes identifying and resolving discrepant items
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and year‑end payroll and reporting, including Source America and other regulatory agencies
• Prepare, post, and reconcile general ledger entries
• Accurately post customer payments to Accounts Receivable
• Support audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation
• Maintain accurate records and strict confidentiality of payroll and personnel information
• Stay current on HRIS/payroll system updates and recommend improvements
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Associate’s degree required;
  Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of payroll processing experience
• Three (3) or more years of accounting experience
• Advanced Excel proficiency required
• Working knowledge of multiple state and city tax systems and online portals
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and state payroll regulations
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) a plus
• Experience with Paycom or another outsourced payroll provider preferred
• Experience in a multi‑entity, multi‑department, or multi‑state environment
• Proven ability to meet strict deadlines with accuracy
• Strong ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and adapt to change
• Ability to deliver great customer service, primarily to employees and Managers along with both internal and external customers

Since its inception in 1965, Northwest Center has built and acquired a portfolio of commercial businesses to fuel our mission of disability inclusion and enable our journey North. We own and run a growing portfolio of commercial businesses, supporting enterprises, and large federal agencies. We employ and train people of all abilities and serve as a model for inclusive business everywhere.

We are proud to be an ambitious, dynamic, and driven social enterprise organization that operates successful businesses to drive societal change. We are focused on our collective North—a world where all children have equitable access to education, and the employment rate for people with disabilities is the same as the general population.

Northwest Center is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to applicants with…