Business Accounting Payroll Specialist

Overview

This role supports payroll, accounting, and administrative needs for Business Accounting clients within the Tax Department of a fast-growing accounting firm. The Business Accounting Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining payroll-related records, responding to client payroll questions, and supporting client onboarding and payroll maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Process recurring payrolls, including weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls based on client needs; review payroll inputs for completeness and accuracy.
• Process garnishments, union deductions, and other required employee deductions as needed.
• Enter, review, and update payroll data, including hours/salary changes, bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, deductions, benefits, and other payroll adjustments; maintain documentation and payroll records per internal and client requirements.
• Assist with payroll tax notices, failed payroll filings, agency correspondence, and related follow-up under the direction of a senior team member or manager.
• Prepare and provide payroll reports to clients as requested.
• Support quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including payroll report review, W-2/W-3 support, tax payment support, and related payroll reconciliations.
• Support payroll tax account registrations, account closures, and system updates as requested.
• Identify payroll discrepancies or processing concerns and assist with timely resolution.
• Support payroll onboarding and transition activities for new and existing clients, including gathering payroll information, assisting with client documentation setup, and coordinating follow-up items.
• Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for routine client payroll questions and requests.
• Communicate with clients and client employees regarding payroll timelines, missing information, payroll changes, and payroll-related questions.
• Help ensure client payroll questions and issues are addressed promptly and escalated when needed.
• Maintain payroll calendars, deadlines, client checklists, and recurring payroll task lists.
• Coordinate with internal team members to track payroll deliverables and ensure required information is received before processing deadlines.
• Assist with payroll platform setup, employee maintenance, and client data updates as needed.

Requirements

• Ability to handle confidential material sensitively.
• Experience with high volume workloads.
• Attention to detail, speed, accuracy, and meeting deadlines is imperative.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Ability to develop relationships with clients and provide strong client service.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of payroll best practices.
• Ability to work independently while expanding duties and responsibilities.

Your Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Associate’s degree is a plus.
• Three plus years of experience processing payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience with cloud-based payroll/HR systems is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $67,000—$73,000 USD.
• The actual pay rate will depend on factors including years of experience, skills, education, alignment with similar internal candidates, marketplace factors, other role requirements, and firm practices.
• Benefits include options that directly impact mental, physical, and financial wellness.

Location

Work flex options may include working at a Chesterfield office, a Downtown St. Louis office, remotely, using a hybrid approach, or switching between these options as preferred.

Work Authorization

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without requiring sponsorship.