Payroll Accountant

Overview

This is a full-time, remote Payroll Accountant role supporting U.S.-based payroll operations. The position focuses on end-to-end payroll processing, payroll accounting, tax compliance, reconciliations, audit support, and reporting. Work hours are flexible and aligned with U.S. client business hours.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls for organizations ranging from 50–500 employees
• Validate employee time entries, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions prior to payroll processing
• Administer payroll using platforms such as ADP, Paychex, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, or similar systems
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and delivered on schedule

Accounting & Reconciliations

• Record payroll journal entries in accounting systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero
• Reconcile payroll clearing accounts and payroll-related bank transactions
• Record employer contributions, benefit deductions, and payroll liabilities accurately
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly

Payroll Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and submit federal, state, and local payroll tax payments
• File payroll tax forms including 941, W-2, 1099, and applicable state filings
• Monitor changes in payroll tax laws and labor regulations
• Ensure payroll processes remain compliant and audit-ready

Benefits Administration

• Reconcile healthcare, retirement, and employee benefit contributions
• Verify employee deductions align with benefit elections
• Coordinate with benefit providers regarding payroll-related discrepancies
• Maintain accurate payroll deduction records

Employee Payroll Support

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, direct deposits, tax withholding, and payroll documentation
• Support payroll setup for new hires and employee updates
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling employee information

Reporting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare recurring payroll, headcount, and labor cost reports
• Support audits with organized payroll documentation
• Perform payroll variance analysis against budgets and forecasts
• Provide payroll insights to finance and HR leadership

Process Improvement

• Improve payroll workflows using Excel automation, payroll integrations, or APIs
• Develop and maintain payroll SOPs and documentation
• Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors

Requirements

• 2+ years of payroll processing experience
• Hands-on experience using at least one payroll platform such as ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, or BambooHR
• Experience supporting payroll accounting and reconciliations
• Working knowledge of U.S. payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements

Technical Skills

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliations)
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• High attention to detail and confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Multi-state or international payroll experience
• Experience reconciling payroll with accounting systems
• Familiarity with HRIS integrations including BambooHR, Zenefits, or Workday
• Experience supporting audits and compliance reviews

Tools & Platforms

• ADP
• Paychex
• Gusto
• QuickBooks Payroll
• BambooHR
• QuickBooks
• NetSuite
• Xero
• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets

Compensation & Benefits

Not specified.

Location

Remote (work hours are flexible and aligned with U.S. client business hours).