Payroll Accountant

Position Summary

The Payroll Accountant serves as a critical link between Human Resources and Accounting, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll-related financial data. This role is responsible for recording, reconciling, and reporting payroll activity within the General Ledger while maintaining strong internal controls and supporting financial reporting requirements.
Acting as a bridge between detailed payroll data and the organization’s financial statements, the Payroll Accountant ensures that wages, taxes, deductions, and employer-paid benefits are accurately reflected in financial records.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Financial Accounting

• Prepare and record payroll-related journal entries, including wages, taxes, and benefits
 • Ensure accurate and timely posting of payroll activity to the General Ledger
 • Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
 • Analyze payroll-related expenses and variances

Reconciliation & Account Analysis

• Perform reconciliations of payroll-related accounts (tax liabilities, clearing accounts, benefits)
 • Ensure alignment between payroll reports, third-party data, and financial records
 • Investigate and resolve discrepancies
 • Maintain accurate supporting documentation

Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
 • Review payroll tax reporting and liabilities for accuracy
 • Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation
 • Support internal and external audit processes

Internal Controls & Governance

• Maintain strong internal controls over payroll-related accounting processes
 • Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and confidentiality
 • Review payroll outputs for financial accuracy prior to posting
 • Identify and mitigate financial and compliance risks

Systems & Process Improvement

• Partner with HR and Payroll Operations to ensure accurate data flow
 • Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements
 • Support system implementations and enhancements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required
 • Minimum of five years of payroll accounting or general ledger accounting experience
 • Experience in multi-entity or multi-state environments preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, journal entries, and reconciliations
 • Knowledge of payroll tax regulations and financial reporting impact
 • Advanced Excel and ERP/payroll system experience
 • High attention to detail and analytical capability
 • Ability to manage confidential data with discretion

Success Factors

• Delivers accurate and timely payroll-related financial reporting
 • Maintains strong reconciliations and internal controls
 • Effectively partners with HR, Payroll Operations, and Accounting stakeholders

Compliance Statement

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet business needs.