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.
