Payroll Accountant

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Accountant to own payroll‑related journal entries, account reconciliations, and month/quarter/year‑end close in a complex, multi‑entity environment. The ideal candidate is hands‑on in SAP (Payroll and FI/CO), highly proficient in Excel, and collaborates closely with Payroll Operations, HR, Benefits, FP&A, and Treasury to ensure GAAP‑compliant financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

· Prepare, review, and post recurring and non‑recurring payroll journal entries (gross‑to‑net, employer taxes, benefits, garnishments, PTO/ARO accruals, intercompany payroll allocations) in SAP FI/CO.

· Own monthly payroll‑related account reconciliations (clearing, suspense, payroll cash, tax payable, benefits, wage liability, accruals); research and resolve variances timely.

· Reconcile SAP Payroll results to the general ledger; validate payroll interfaces to FI/CO and banking; partner with Payroll Ops to address errors prior to close.

· Maintain standardized JE templates and reconciliation workpapers with clear audit trails; ensure documentation meets SOX/internal control requirements.

· Coordinate close calendar deliverables (M/E, Q/E, Y/E); prepare flux/variance analysis and supporting schedules for management and auditors.

· Calculate and record payroll accruals and reversals; evaluate materiality and propose adjusting entries as needed.

· Support external reporting and audits (financial statement, SOX, state/local payroll tax) with requested schedules and evidence.

· Collaborate cross‑functionally on new programs (e.g., bonus plans, CBAs, benefit changes) to assess accounting impact and set up new GLs/mappings.

· Drive process and control improvements and refine mappings between SAP HCM Payroll and SAP FI/CO; contribute to UAT/regression testing for upgrades/patches.

· Develop and maintain desktop procedures (DTPs) and policy documentation for payroll accounting processes.

Requirements

Skills Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Accounting preferred).

· 5+ years progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in payroll accounting in a mid‑to‑large company.

· Hands‑on experience with SAP — Payroll/HCM and FI/CO (posting, reconciliations, allocations, reporting).

· Advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query/Power Pivot, complex formulas, reconciliations, data validation).

· Solid working knowledge of US GAAP, especially accruals, compensation/benefits accounting, and intercompany.

· Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced close cycle.

· Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills working cross‑functionally with Payroll, HR, and Finance.

Preferred Skills

· CPA (active or in progress).

· Experience in union (CBA) environments and multiple pay frequencies.

· Experience with ADP or other outsourced payroll providers and related GL interfaces.

· Familiarity with internal controls/SOX and audit support.

· Experience with automation/analytics (Power BI, Alteryx, VBA, or similar).

Key Competencies

· Technical Accounting & GAAP Application

· SAP Expertise (Payroll schema → FI/CO postings, posting models, reconciliation reports)

· Analytical Problem Solving & Root‑Cause Analysis

· Process Discipline & Documentation

· Communication & Cross‑Functional Partnership

· Integrity, Confidentiality, and Judgment