Staff and Payroll Accountant

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of payroll processing with a highly hands-on approach. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations while actively participating in payroll processing, troubleshooting issues, and driving process improvements. The Payroll Accountant partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to maintain data integrity, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver an excellent employee experience. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Payroll: Coordinate with HR to ensure accurate data entry for bi-weekly payroll, full pay batches as well as one-offs or off-cycle payrolls Review and validate payroll inputs including earnings, deductions, benefits, and taxes Manage ADP accounting settings to ensure reports needed for payroll accounting are accurate Perform payroll reconciliations, variances analysis, and error resolution Ensure accurate multi-state and multi-jurisdiction payroll tax setup and filings Manage off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and adjustments Handle year-end processing, including W-2s and regulatory reporting Respond to payroll requests by employees and other internal and external users of payroll data Prepare and enter payroll journal into subledgers and ensure proper balance in general ledger Compliance & Controls: Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations Stay current on payroll laws and proactively implement changes Ensure proper internal controls and audit readiness Maintain payroll records, and schedules for reference during internal and external audits Accounting: Participate in Month-end process by ensuring all invoices for services rendered for the month are received and entered prior to deadline/cut-off for data entry into AP system Support Month-end close process by providing information on vendors whose invoices were not received or entered into AP so an estimated accrual can be entered by accounting Prepare/distribute weekly/monthly AP reports Assist senior accountant and accounting manager in the preparation of monthly/quarterly/yearly closings Other Responsibilities: Participate in special projects to assist and support accounting and finance team as needed Requirements and Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or equivalent experience 5–10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including hands-on payroll processing 3+ years of General Accounting and Accounts Payable experience Multi state and local municipality payroll experience FIT, SIT, SUI expertise Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented and deadline-driven while maintaining the highest level of accuracy, work ethic, confidentiality, and discretion Self-starter collaborative team player, flexible, quick learner, with excellent communications and interpersonal skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Own projects from start to finish. Advanced excel knowledge ADP WFN and ADP smart compliance experience required Netsuite and Bill.com experience a plus. Physical Demands: Ability to work in a traditional professional office setting/remote environment. Work schedule may vary and is determined by project schedules. Ability to efficiently operate all job-related office equipment (computer, telephone, etc.). Must be able to communicate effectively. Requires overall light physical effort (up to 25lbs.). Manual dexterity and sitting is required in carrying out position own position responsibilities (i.e. use of a personal computer). The target hiring range for this role is $62,025 - $76,500 (annually). The starting base salary will be determined based on skills, experience, and other job-related factors. In addition, our total rewards package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; generous time off including PTO, short and long-term disability insurance and a competitive 401(k) savings match including financial planning workshops. See our Careers Page for more information. The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform this position. ** In accordance with CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s Compliance Plan, all employees must conduct CareQuest Institute for Oral Health business and activities in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards and ethical standards and report potential compliance or ethical issues to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s designated Compliance Officer. ** CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business and activities. Please see Human Resources for additional information regarding this program.