Payroll Tax Accountant

Overview

This position is responsible for preparing and reconciling payroll journal entries and general ledger accounts, and for performing monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll account reconciliations. The role ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including preparation and filing of payroll tax returns and coordination with tax agencies.

In addition, this position supports payroll close activities, audits, reporting, and financial analysis, and serves as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting and payroll tax matters. The role also participates in system enhancements, compliance initiatives, and cross-functional projects to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain payroll accounting processes to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, taxes, and related payroll transactions.
• Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll-related journal entries, general ledger accounts, accruals, and account balances in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and company policies.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of payroll accounts, including wages, taxes, benefits, paid time off liabilities, workers' compensation, garnishments, and other payroll-related liabilities.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including accurate calculation, withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
• Prepare, review, and file payroll tax returns and related reports, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, W-3, state unemployment returns, local tax filings, and other required regulatory submissions.
• Coordinate payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, tax rate updates, and notices with federal, state, and local tax agencies.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll tax discrepancies, agency notices, employee tax inquiries, and payroll audit findings.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and reporting requirements; recommend and implement process improvements to maintain compliance.
• Conduct payroll audits and reviews to verify the accuracy and completeness of payroll transactions, tax withholdings, earnings, deductions, and employee records.
• Support year-end payroll activities, including balancing payroll records, validating taxable wages, preparing annual tax filings, and coordinating W-2 distribution.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing payroll records, tax documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll accounting procedures, internal controls, and compliance processes to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.
• Participate in payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvement initiatives.
• Prepare payroll-related financial analyses, forecasts, accrual calculations, and management reports to support budgeting and business planning.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting and payroll tax matters, providing guidance and training to payroll staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensure compliance with applicable privacy, data protection, and record retention requirements.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the organization.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures, policies, and practices.
• Support acquisitions and other corporate transactions by assessing payroll and payroll tax impacts.
• Assist with multi-state payroll compliance and registration requirements.
• Participate in special projects involving payroll systems, tax compliance, compensation programs, and process automation.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, along with:
  • six or more years of progressive accounting experience with a bachelor’s degree, or
  • four or more years of experience with a master’s degree.
  • Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Strong understanding of accounting theories, concepts, and principles, as well as thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments to meet deadlines and project milestones.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence and customer service.
• Strong analytical skills to identify issues, interpret data, and develop effective solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to document, report, and present findings clearly and accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with employees at all levels, including management and senior external stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement new processes and systems and communicate new concepts effectively.
• Ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource on external projects and represent the organization professionally.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proactive, team-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Ability to work extended hours as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of SAP, SuccessFactors, and multi-state tax agency systems.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn new systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Salary range: 76,000 - 127,750

Location

San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA