Senior Payroll & Accounting Specialist

A Wiss client is seeking a Senior Payroll/Accounting Specialist to join their team in Bergen County, NJ [Hybrid-one day onsite]. The Senior Payroll & Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting the Finance & Accounting function across payroll processing, treasury and cash management, and day-to-day accounting operations. This role manages semimonthly and out-of-cycle payroll activities, coordinates payroll-related reporting and reconciliations, supports bank activity and cash forecasting, assists with ad hoc projects, and helps ensure transactions are accurately recorded in the general ledger.

This position reports directly to the Corporate Controller.

• Process semi-monthly and out-of-cycle payrolls accurately and on schedule, including review of new hires, terminations, severance, bonuses, commissions, overtime, allowances and other special payroll items.
• Partner closely with Human Resources to validate payroll data, timekeeping, benefit deductions, leave tracking, PTO balances, employee status changes and compliance-related payroll inputs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local payroll regulations, including tax withholding and reporting requirements.
• Record and reconcile payroll transactions, ensuring accuracy and completeness in alignment with company policies.
• Prepare payroll approval packages, payroll schedules, payroll trackers and supporting reports for Finance and management review.
• Analyze payroll activity and investigate variances, pay code usage, department allocations, benefit true-ups, 401(k) corrections and other payroll-related adjustments.
• Prepare, review and/or upload payroll-related journal entries and general ledger files; ensure payroll expense, taxes, deductions, employer benefits, reimbursements and liabilities are recorded accurately.
• Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, payroll audits, 401(k) audit support and other payroll tax or compliance reporting as needed.
• Assist in developing and implementing payroll policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.

• Monitor bank activity, prior-day reporting, cash balances and funding needs; coordinate bank transfers and funding wires for approval and release.
• Book daily cash transactions, including receipts, disbursements and transfers ensuring proper recording in the general ledger.
• Prepare and maintain weekly cash forecast files.
• Prepare and maintain bank reconciliations and related support; research and resolve outstanding items in coordination with AP, accounting and banking contacts.

• Prepare journal entries and perform general accounting responsibilities as needed, such as providing support for month-end close activities.
• Maintain accurate supporting documentation for audit, compliance and management review.
• Assist with special projects, process documentation, system enhancements and cross-functional Finance & Accounting initiatives as assigned.
• Coordinate administrative compliance matters with external service providers and follow through on registration, filing and good-standing requirements.

• Payroll experience required, preferably including multi-state payroll, semi-monthly payroll cycles, out-of-cycle payments, payroll adjustments, benefit deductions and year-end payroll support.
• High level of proficiency in ADP Workforce Now, including payroll processing, reporting, Time & Attendance, projected payroll and employee/payroll data analysis.
• Strong understanding of federal, state and local payroll laws, payroll tax requirements and payroll compliance concepts.
• Treasury, cash management, bank reconciliation, cash forecasting, payment operations or AP experience strongly preferred.
• General accounting experience preferred, including journal entries, reconciliations, month-end support and general ledger review.
• Experience with Net Suite or another ERP system preferred.
• Experience supporting state tax registrations, corporate registrations, annual reports, good-standing filings or similar administrative compliance activities preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

• High level of confidentiality and discretion when handling payroll, employee, banking and financial information.
• Strong analytical skills; able to review payroll and accounting data, identify inconsistencies and ask appropriate follow-up questions.
• Detail-oriented, organized and able to manage recurring deadlines across payroll, cash forecasting, reconciliations and month-end close.
• Works effectively with cross-functional teams, including Human Resources, Accounts Payable, Accounting, Finance leadership and banking contacts.
• Comfortable handling changing priorities, time-sensitive banking activity and issue resolution.
• Clear and professional communication skills, with the ability to document processes and explain payroll, cash and accounting matters to stakeholders.

$90,000-$95,000 + small discretionary…