Accounting & Payroll Consultant

WagWay Group LLC

Job Title: Payroll & Accounting Consultant

Work Location: WagWay Group

Classification: 1099 Consultant

Function/Department: Finance

Reports to: VP, Accounting

Company Overview:

WagWay Group is a PE-backed pet clubs and wellness company with operating brands across the U.S. WagWay was established to build a national, contemporary network of leading pet wellness providers in attractive markets. WagWay pet centers offer daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and vet services under a comprehensive model. The Company aspires to set the standard for pet wellness through the combination of service excellence, innovation, and pet health monitoring.

Job Summary:

The Payroll & Accounting Consultant will provide specialized payroll administration and accounting services across its portfolio of pet care businesses. This engagement combines responsibility for accurate, timely payroll deliverables with senior-level accounting support, including general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, month-end close activities, and financial reporting.

The ideal consultant brings strong technical accounting expertise, comprehensive payroll knowledge, proficiency with financial systems and the ability to work independently in a fast paced, multi-entity environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Payroll:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all entities, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution.

• Review payroll inputs, including regular wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, deductions, reimbursements and adjustments.

• Audit payroll registers, timekeeping records, and exception reports to identify and resolve discrepancies.

• Administer payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, compensation adjustments and employee status changes.

• Coordinate payroll tax withholdings, filings, remittances and reconciliations with our payroll provider.

• Support multi-state payroll compliance, including wage and hour requirements, final pay and applicable tax obligations.

• Reconcile payroll registers to general ledger accounts and ensure accurate recording of payroll expenses and liabilities

• Investigate payroll discrepancies and coordinate with HR as needed

• Support quarterly and year end payroll processes, including w2 preparation, payroll tax reconciliation and annual reporting

• Identify opportunities to strengthen payroll controls, streamline workflows, and improve reporting accuracy.

Accounting & Financial Reporting:

• Perform detailed and accurate monthly balance sheet account reconciliations across multiple entities and locations.

• Investigate, resolve, and document reconciliation discrepancies, escalating complex or unresolved issues as appropriate.

• Support accounts payable processing to ensure invoices are accurately recorded and payments are made timely and in accordance with established terms.

• Analyze current and historical financial data to identify trends, investigate variances, and support financial reporting.

• Develop, streamline, and document accounting processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.

• Identify and record bank fees, interest, and other unrecorded transactions in the accounting system.

• Reconcile bank activity, including deposits, withdrawals, ACH payments, and intercompany transfers, to the corresponding transactions in the accounting system.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address accounting-related needs and support business operations.

• Support accounting system enhancements, process automation, and other continuous improvement initiatives as the company grows.

• Prepare and organize supporting documentation for external audits, including bank statements, account reconciliations, transaction support, and explanations of outstanding items.

• Support compliance with applicable local, state, and federal financial reporting and tax requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA preferred

• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting, payroll administration; strong preference for candidates with experience in a multi-entity environment, intercompany transactions and high-growth companies.

• Experience with multi-state payroll administration and payroll tax requirements

• Advance proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups and financial analysis.

• Experience working with payroll, HRIS, and accounting software. UKG & NetSuite preferred

• In-depth knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting and internal controls.

• Demonstrated expertise in account reconciliations and month-end close processes.

• Experience with NetSuite is strongly preferred; proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, etc.).

• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-changing environment.

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Ability to occasionally lift and move files or materials up to 10 pounds.

• Regular use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office tools.

• Visual acuity to read financial documents, spreadsheets, and digital screens.

• Occasional walking or standing during meetings or office activities.

• Must be able to communicate clearly via phone, video, and in-person