Payroll Accountant

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is searching for a Payroll Accountant for a Contract assignment with one of our premier Utilities clients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and record routine and complex payroll-related journal entries, including accruals and adjusting entries.
• Review payroll reports and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Audit payroll records, timekeeping information, earnings, deductions, and related documentation; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll-related general ledger account structures, earnings codes, and deduction mappings to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Process payroll transactions, earnings statements, deductions, and time and attendance information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of payroll-related general ledger and balance sheet accounts and resolve variances.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities, including trial balances, account analyses, schedules, and adjusting entries.
• Prepare payroll and financial reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate payroll and accounting records to support audits, compliance reviews, and internal control requirements.
• Serve as a liaison with payroll service providers and coordinate reporting requests, issue resolution, and process enhancements.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and business stakeholders to address payroll inquiries and deliver high-quality customer support.
• Execute payroll-related compliance activities, including annual workers' compensation reporting and other regulatory requirements.
• Provide payroll system and process training to employees and managers.
• Mentor junior team members and provide guidance on payroll accounting procedures and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and operational efficiency.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Occasional domestic travel, evening work, and weekend support may be required based on business needs.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in payroll accounting, payroll operations, or a related accounting function.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, bookkeeping principles, and GAAP.
• Experience preparing journal entries, managing account reconciliations, and maintaining general ledger accuracy.
• Hands-on experience with payroll processing systems and payroll administration platforms.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits and preparing audit documentation.
• Knowledge of financial controls, regulatory compliance requirements, and SOX-related processes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify, investigate, and resolve payroll and accounting discrepancies.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with ERP and accounting systems.
• Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Payroll certification such as FPC or CPP.
• CPA certification.
• Experience with enterprise payroll platforms such as ADP or similar solutions.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or comparable enterprise applications.
• Prior experience training, coaching, or mentoring team members.

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