Accountant 3

Overview

The Controller Division provides comprehensive financial services supporting national security and the organization's mission. This includes accounting, compliance, payroll, benefits, tax, retirement, travel, disbursements, financial reporting, corporate accounting, and business systems. The division emphasizes operational excellence and financial accountability.

The Payroll & Benefits Accounting Group is seeking an experienced Accountant 3 to support the Oracle Payroll Team. This role involves ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely compensation and benefits processing. The position requires collaboration with HR, Legal, IT, unions, and external vendors to maintain operational continuity, financial accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end enterprise payroll cycle, including timecard transfer, payroll calculation, general ledger posting, and disbursement.
• Process supplemental pay, PTO accrual adjustments, military leave calculations, and manual labor corrections.
• Coordinate with HR on STD, FMLA, termination transactions, and new hire onboarding for W-4 and direct deposit data.
• Manage output files to cashiers and print vendors, create monthly vouchers, and reconcile payroll accounts and liabilities.
• Assist in developing and implementing audit techniques and procedures.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and collaborate with Logistics, Labor Relations, and IT organizations.
• Reconcile payroll to the General Ledger, audit accounts, perform reconciliations, and conduct system testing.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated payroll experience within a medium to large, complex organization.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities under strict deadlines.
• Broad knowledge of payroll/time collection systems, processes, and controls.
• Experience with accounting, benefits accounting, and tax accounting.
• Understanding of downstream impacts related to payroll and accounting.
• Ability to interpret audit exceptions, contracts, and policy.
• Knowledge of accounting and finance principles including GAAP, CAS, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with IRS regulations, year-end payroll reporting, and local, state, federal, and DOL regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience researching, troubleshooting, and resolving payroll and business issues.
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting complex information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Advanced organizational skills to manage priorities and projects.
• Experience with payroll, time, and labor system data integration in ERP systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field plus 8 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional certification is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of IRS regulations and year-end payroll reporting.
• Experience advising management on government legislation and DOE contract compliance.
• Experience using enterprise software supporting payroll operations.

Work Environment and Location

• This position is telework-based with the work location in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
• Telework is defined as working offsite but within a 2-hour ground commute of Los Alamos.
• Periodic onsite reporting may be required.
• Work location and arrangements are subject to change at management's discretion with notice.

Additional Information

• Position commitment is 1 year.
• Employment eligibility restrictions apply due to federal regulations; certain foreign nationals are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security missions.
• No security clearance is required.
• Selected candidates will undergo drug testing and pre-employment background checks.
• The organization maintains a substance abuse policy including random drug testing; marijuana use remains prohibited under federal law.

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical insurance options including PPO or High Deductible plans with a nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off including holidays.
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages available for candidates relocating from beyond a 50-mile radius.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and merit without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within applicable laws. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request for individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process.