Senior Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Overview

A medical and scientific communications agency is seeking a Senior Payroll & Accounting Specialist to join their Finance & Accounting team. This role supports payroll processing, treasury and cash management, and day-to-day accounting operations. The position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, cross-functional communication, and the ability to analyze payroll and accounting activity to identify and resolve issues.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Payroll Accounting

• Process semi-monthly and off-cycle payrolls accurately and on schedule, including new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, overtime, and other payroll adjustments
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure accurate payroll data, benefits, timekeeping, leave tracking, and employee status changes
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, tax regulations, and company policies
• Prepare, reconcile, and analyze payroll transactions, journal entries, general ledger files, and supporting reports
• Investigate payroll variances and resolve issues related to pay, benefits, taxes, deductions, and allocations
• Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, audits, and compliance reporting
• Assist with payroll process improvements, documentation, and policy development

Treasury, Cash Management & Banking

• Monitor daily cash activity, bank balances, and funding requirements
• Record cash receipts, disbursements, transfers, and other banking transactions in the general ledger
• Prepare weekly cash forecasts and perform bank reconciliations, researching and resolving outstanding items
• Coordinate bank transfers and funding activities with internal stakeholders and banking partners

General Accounting & Month-End Support

• Prepare journal entries and assist with month-end close activities
• Maintain accurate documentation to support audits, compliance, and management reporting
• Participate in special projects, process improvements, system enhancements, and cross-functional Finance initiatives
• Coordinate administrative and compliance filings and related activities with external service providers

Requirements

• Payroll experience required, preferably including multi-state payroll, semi-monthly payroll cycles, projected payroll, off-cycle payments, payroll adjustments, benefit deductions, and year-end processing
• Advanced knowledge of ADP Workforce Now, including payroll processing, reporting, Time & Attendance, and payroll data analysis
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, payroll tax requirements, and compliance
• Treasury, cash management, bank reconciliations, cash forecasting, payment operations, or Accounts Payable experience preferred
• General accounting experience, including journal entries, reconciliations, month-end close, and general ledger support
• Experience with NetSuite or another ERP system preferred
• Experience supporting state tax registrations, corporate filings, or other administrative compliance activities preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and identify discrepancies
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism when handling payroll, financial, and employee information
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across HR, Finance, Accounting, Accounts Payable, and external banking partners

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000 – $95,000 annually (actual salary depends on background and experience)
• Immediate eligibility for all benefits, including medical, dental, vision, group term life, short-term and long-term disability
• Benefits are 100% company paid
• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
• Eligibility for company-sponsored incentive plans
• Generous paid time off, including a week off in December for the holidays
• Paid volunteer time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site gym and other employee wellness initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program
• Compensation or comp time for onsite weekend work
• Availability of cell-phone stipends based on business need
• Leadership development training program and other career development opportunities
• Remote and hybrid work schedule options

Location

Office locations in Upper Saddle River, NJ (headquarters), Red Bank, NJ, and San Diego, CA

This role reports to the Corporate Controller, CFO, and VP of Human Resources. Only candidates deemed qualified will be contacted.