Payroll - Accounting Associate

Areas of Accountability:

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Assist with the preparation, review, and processing of regular payroll cycles, ensuring employee pay, deductions, benefits, garnishments, paid time off, and other payroll-related items are accurate and processed on schedule.

·         Review employee timekeeping records for completeness and accuracy; follow up with managers or employees regarding missing punches, approvals, coding, overtime, or other discrepancies.

·         Maintain payroll records, employee payroll data, direct deposit information, tax withholding forms, benefit deductions, and other confidential payroll documentation in accordance with company procedures.

·         Respond to employee and manager payroll questions in a timely, professional, and confidential manner; research and resolve payroll discrepancies or route complex issues to the appropriate resource.

·         Assist with payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger support to ensure payroll expenses, taxes, benefits, and deductions are properly recorded.

·         Support compliance with federal, state, and local payroll requirements, including wage and hour rules, payroll taxes, withholding requirements, and company pay practices.

·         Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation support, payroll audits, employee record review, and reconciliation of payroll-related accounts.

·         Process or support routine accounting transactions, which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, deposits, expense coding, check requests, account reconciliations, and other financial recordkeeping duties.

·         Review accounting documents for accuracy, completeness, appropriate approvals, and proper coding prior to processing or posting.

·         Maintain organized payroll and accounting files to support audits, internal controls, reporting, and timely retrieval of information.

·         Identify opportunities to improve payroll and accounting processes, strengthen accuracy, and support consistent procedures across the company.

·         Provide backup support to payroll, accounting, and administrative functions as needed.

·         All other payroll, accounting, and administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Human Resources, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and payroll/accounting experience may be considered.

·         Previous payroll, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, or related administrative experience preferred.

·         Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work with confidential information, deadlines, and recurring pay-cycle requirements.

·         Working knowledge of payroll processes, timekeeping systems, employee deductions, payroll taxes, and basic accounting principles preferred.

·         Ability to research discrepancies, reconcile information, identify errors, and follow issues through to resolution.

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide professional support to employees, managers, vendors, and internal team members.

·         Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and complete assignments independently while working effectively as part of a team.

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs, including Excel and Word; experience with payroll, HRIS, accounting, or ERP systems preferred.

·         Maintains a high level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and customer service in all payroll and accounting interactions.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Adaptability:

• Primarily office-based work requiring the ability to sit, stand, use a computer, keyboard, phone, and other standard office equipment for extended periods of time.

·         Requires visual acuity and attention to detail for reviewing payroll records, accounting documents, reports, spreadsheets, and system data.

·         Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull office materials and supplies up to 20 pounds on occasion.

·        Agricultural office environment with occasional interaction with employees, managers, and location personnel; limited exposure to seasonal weather or facility conditions may occur during site visits or company events.