Payroll Accountant

Our client is an organization in the Milwaukee area looking for a Payroll Accountant. Our client is looking for an accounting professional with strong payroll knowledge who can take ownership of payroll-related accounting activities while also supporting the broader accounting function. This position offers a balanced mix of payroll and general accounting responsibilities and is ideal for someone who is comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.

The salary range for this position is $81k–83k.

The Payroll Accountant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take ownership of payroll processing activities following the completion of employee time and attendance administration.
• Review payroll information for accuracy and resolve discrepancies prior to final processing.
• Maintain payroll data within the organization’s payroll system and troubleshoot system or processing issues as they arise.
• Reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger and ensure payroll-related transactions are recorded accurately.
• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, accruals, and other accounting adjustments.
• Coordinate payroll funding and verify that required payments are processed accurately and timely.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and research differences between payroll records and accounting activity.
• Support the accounting components of employee benefits, deductions, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Work closely with HR and other internal partners to ensure employee changes are appropriately reflected in payroll.
• Maintain appropriate payroll documentation and support compliance with established controls and procedures.
• Assist with month-end close activities and other recurring accounting responsibilities.
• Prepare account reconciliations, schedules, and financial information outside of the payroll function.
• Support general ledger accounting and additional accounting projects as assigned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen payroll processes, controls, and system utilization.
• Take ownership of new accounting responsibilities as the position continues to develop.

The Payroll Accountant will possess the following:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field preferred.
• Strong accounting background with hands-on payroll experience required.
• Experience independently managing significant portions of the payroll process.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, general ledger activity, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Experience working with a large payroll/HRIS platform required; advanced system knowledge and troubleshooting ability strongly preferred.
• Ability to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and system-related issues with limited oversight.
• General accounting experience beyond payroll, including exposure to month-end close and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in a deadline-driven environment.
• Self-directed with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and consistently follow through on deliverables.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues and determine appropriate solutions.
• Comfortable working in a focused, fast-moving environment where team members independently manage their areas of responsibility.
• Adaptable and willing to take on additional accounting responsibilities as the needs of the organization evolve.