Job Summary/Objective:
The Accounting Payroll Analyst serves as the primary owner of Summit Pointe’s payroll function and is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant biweekly payroll processing for more than 350 union and non‑union employees. This position is the organization’s payroll subject matter expert and plays a critical role in supporting employees, Human Resources, and the Finance team through exceptional customer service, strong technical understanding, and clear process ownership.
As a core member of the Finance team, the Payroll Analyst partners closely with Human Resources, who administers the payroll system and benefits, to maintain payroll and benefits data integrity, ensure compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, and support payroll tax reporting. In addition to payroll responsibilities, this role supports the Controller and Finance Team Lead with month‑end close activities, account reconciliations, financial reporting, special projects, and cross‑functional accounting duties. The position is deadline‑driven, highly collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.
Essential Duties and Functions:
- Process, audit, and finalize biweekly payroll for 350+ employees (union and non-union), ensuring accurate wages, deductions, benefits, and taxes.
- Serve as the Finance liaison to Human Resources for payroll system activity, resolving payroll issues, benefit-related changes, and system questions in an effort to ensure a seamless and positive payroll experience for the employees.
- Maintain complete and accurate payroll records, including earnings, deductions, direct deposits, tax withholding elections, attendance, and benefit deductions.
- Review payroll data for completeness and resolve discrepancies before processing.
- Coordinate payroll actions related to new hires, promotions, transfers, leaves of absence, and terminations with Human Resources
- Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and support payroll tax reporting requirements.
- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline payroll processes, improve efficiency, and enhance employee experience using tools such as Paycor (preferred).
- Maintain payroll procedures and documentation, ensuring processes remain current and effective
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of payroll laws, payroll tax requirements, and wage/hour regulations.
- Ensure payroll processing adheres to organizational policies, internal controls, union contracts, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Support preparation and reconciliation of payroll tax filings and year‑end payroll reporting.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questions and concerns.
- Analyze financial and payroll data, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Communicate payroll-related information clearly, professionally, and with a customer‑focused approach.
- Prepare, review, and post general ledger journal entries related to payroll and other accounting activities.
- Finance Team Responsibilities:
- Monthly balance sheet and income statement reconciliations as needed.
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and supporting schedules as needed.
- Assist with annual budget preparation, forecasting, and financial modeling.
- Participate in internal and external audits.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and financial information.
- Provide back‑up support for Accounts Payable and other finance functions as needed.
- Support and participate in Finance department projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Admin, preferred but not required.
- 1+ years’ experience processing payroll for 50+ employees; union and Paycor experience a plus.
- 3+ years of general accounting/finance experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, and payroll best practices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using HRIS/payroll systems such as Paycor or similar platforms.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
- Self-directed, resourceful, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Must not be excluded from participation in Medicaid, Medicare, or other federal or Michigan healthcare programs.
Benefits
- Premium health and vision within 30 days of hire
- Company sponsored Health Reimbursement Account
- Company paid short and long-term disability
- Employee assistance program
- 401(K) match up to 50% after one year of service
- Social security alternative contributions
- Free YMCA membership
- Generous paid time off
- 14 paid holidays
- Continuing education reimbursement
- Licensure study materials and exam reimbursement
Trauma Informed System of Care:
A trauma-informed approach to service delivery emphasizes physical and emotional safety, choice, empowerment, and trustworthiness for customers. The impact of trauma is broad and touches many life domains. Participation is mandatory for activities required for Summit Pointe to become a “Trauma Informed System of Care.”
