Accountant III

General Atomics • San Diego, California • Full Time

Posted on Mon, Aug 31, 2026

Job Description
General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are among the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development, ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Accountant III to join our Payroll Department in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA. The Payroll Accountant III performs advanced professional accounting work supporting payroll financial activities and general accounting functions. This position is responsible for ensuring payroll-related financial transactions are accurately recorded, reconciled, and reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), company policies, and internal controls.
Working collaboratively with Payroll, Human Resources, Corporate Accounting, Treasury, and other cross-functional departments, the Payroll Accountant III prepares payroll-related journal entries, reconciles general ledger accounts, performs month-end, quarter-end, and year-end account reconciliations, analyzes financial data, and supports the financial close process. The position also assists with financial reporting, internal and external audits, and helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll accounting records.
In addition to payroll accounting responsibilities, this role performs a broad range of general accounting duties, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, performing account analyses and reconciliations, supporting financial reporting activities, and identifying opportunities to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls. The Payroll Accountant III also participates in process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and cross-functional projects that enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
This position serves as a key resource for payroll accounting matters, providing technical guidance and supporting the development and implementation of accounting procedures that promote accurate financial reporting and effective internal controls.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced in payroll and general accounting, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, sound judgment, and professionalism.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administers and maintains payroll accounting processes to ensure accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, and related payroll financial transactions.
Prepares, reviews, and reconciles payroll-related journal entries, general ledger accounts, accruals, and account balances in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and internal controls.
Performs monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of payroll-related accounts, including wages, benefits, paid time off liabilities, workers’ compensation, garnishments, and other payroll-related balances.
Supports payroll accounting close activities by analyzing payroll transactions, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring payroll financial information is accurately reflected in the general ledger.
Conducts payroll account reviews and audits to verify the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of payroll transactions and supporting accounting records.
Supports year-end accounting activities by preparing payroll-related reconciliations, schedules, analyses, and supporting documentation.
Assists with internal and external audits by providing payroll accounting records, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and financial analyses.
Develops, documents, and maintains payroll accounting procedures, internal controls, and process documentation to support accurate financial reporting, operational efficiency, and data integrity.
Participates in payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvement initiatives to enhance accounting processes, reporting capabilities, and operational effectiveness.
Prepares payroll-related financial analyses, account reconciliations, accrual calculations, and management reports to support accounting and business reporting requirements.
Collaborates with Payroll, Human Resources, Accounting, and other departments to resolve issues, improve processes, and ensure accurate payroll-related financial information.
Serves as a subject matter resource for payroll accounting activities, providing guidance and support related to accounting processes, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
Supports acquisitions and other corporate transactions by assessing payroll accounting impacts and providing related financial analysis.
Maintains confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensures compliance with applicable privacy, data protection, and record retention requirements.
Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures, policies, and practices.
Participates in special projects involving payroll accounting, system enhancements, process automation, reporting improvements, and operational initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, finance or related discipline along with six or more years of progressive experience in accounting with a bachelor's degree or four or more years of experience with a master's degree. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of accounting theories, concepts, and principles, as well as a thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
Preferred experience includes working knowledge of SAP, SuccessFactors, and multi-state tax agency systems, as well as strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and a demonstrated willingness to learn new systems.
The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments to meet deadlines and project milestones. This role requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence and customer service.
Essential skills and competencies include:
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues, interpret data, and develop effective solutions to complex problems
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to document, report, and present findings clearly and accurately
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with employees at all levels, including management and senior external stakeholders
- Ability to contribute to the development and implementation of new processes and systems, and communicate new concepts effectively
- Ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource on external projects and represent the company professionally
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
The position requires a proactive, team-oriented individual who can manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs. The ability to work extended hours as required is also necessary.

AuditFriendly salary estimate

The employer did not post a salary for this role. Based on AuditFriendly's salary intelligence model (comparable live postings, role, seniority, and location), we estimate base pay of $75,000–$102,000 per year (median ~$90,000). This is an AuditFriendly estimate, not an employer-provided figure.

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