Senior Accountant

Job Title: Sr Accountant – Payroll Accounting

Job Description

This Sr Accountant – Payroll Accounting role focuses on supporting payroll-related accounting and financial reporting activities in a large, complex organization. The position is responsible for preparing payroll journal entries, reconciling payroll accounts, managing payroll tax compliance, and performing month-end and year-end close activities. The successful candidate applies strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of GAAP and payroll accounting principles, and experience with multi-state payroll environments to ensure payroll transactions are accurately recorded and reported. This role collaborates closely with Human Resources, Payroll, and other internal teams to resolve issues, improve processes, and maintain robust internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and record payroll-related journal entries in accordance with GAAP and company policies.
• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts, including wages, taxes, benefits, and accruals, to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Review and reconcile payroll tax filings and support year-end payroll processes, including W-2 and 1099 reporting.
• Perform month-end and year-end close activities related to payroll accounting, including preparation of supporting schedules and entries.
• Analyze payroll transactions, trends, and variances, and investigate discrepancies to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate accounting and reporting of payroll-related expenses and liabilities in the general ledger and financial statements.
• Partner with Human Resources, Payroll, and other internal teams to resolve payroll issues and ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, internal controls, and accounting policies.
• Prepare account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and management reports related to payroll accounting and financial reporting.
• Support internal, external, and regulatory audits by providing required documentation and serving as a subject matter resource for payroll accounting processes, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and payroll-related automation efforts to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay current on accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting payroll accounting and incorporate relevant updates into day-to-day practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of payroll accounting or payroll-related accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and payroll accounting principles.
• In-depth understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a multi-state or large, complex payroll environment.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as UKG, ADP, Workday, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis and reconciliation functions.
• Demonstrated experience preparing payroll-related journal entries and general ledger postings.
• Proven ability to perform account reconciliations and support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and identify variances.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all accounting and reporting tasks.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with financial statement preparation and balance sheet account analysis.
• Familiarity with general ledger structures and financial reporting processes.
• Exposure to internal, external, or regulatory audit support related to payroll accounting.
• Experience contributing to process improvement initiatives and payroll-related automation projects.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Interest in professional development and staying current on changes in accounting standards and payroll regulations.
• Motivation to grow within a large organization that offers room for advancement.

Work Environment

This position is based in a newly remodeled office environment designed to support a professional and collaborative workplace. The role involves working extensively with payroll systems, general ledger and financial reporting tools, and advanced Microsoft Excel. You will interact regularly with Human Resources, Payroll, and other internal departments, fostering a team-oriented culture with opportunities for growth in a large organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $52.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job

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