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.