Payroll and Accounting Specialist

PURPOSE:

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting daily payroll and accounting operations with a focus on payroll, expense processing, reconciliations, and accuracy of employee-related financial data. This role assists the accounting team as needed in general accounting tasks, financial record maintenance, and reporting. The Payroll & Accounting Specialist ensures payroll and expenses are recorded correctly and timely, supports compliance with internal controls, and upholds the organization’s financial standards.

This position does not include onboarding responsibilities.

• Process payroll and expense data, ensuring accurate entry, coding, and reconciliation of all payroll related costs.
• Review time sheets, expense reports, and payroll summaries for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and assist with month-end and year-end close procedures related to payroll.
• Reconcile payroll accounts, including wages, taxes, deductions, benefits, and other employee-related liabilities.
• Maintain payroll and accounting records, ensuring proper documentation and filing.
• Assist with verifying benefits, employee deductions, and related payroll accruals.
• Work with the Accounting Manager to resolve discrepancies and improve payroll and accounting processes.
• Assist with accounts payable tasks as needed.
• Support annual audits by preparing payroll-related schedules and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and applicable regulations.
• Provide general administrative and accounting support to the department as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee information and company financial data.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong understanding of payroll functions and basic accounting principles.
• Proficiency with payroll systems and accounting software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll, accounting, or related administrative roles required.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Consistently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Must be able to travel to various offices as needed.