Payroll Accountant

Payroll Accountant (U.S. Payroll, ADP/Gusto, Payroll Compliance) - Remote

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote
Working Hours: U.S. Business Hours

About the Role

At Pavago, one of our clients is hiring a Payroll Accountant to manage end-to-end payroll processing, payroll accounting, tax compliance, and payroll reporting for U.S.-based organizations.

This is more than just processing payroll. You’ll ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, payroll taxes are filed correctly, financial records remain audit-ready, and payroll data is properly reconciled with accounting systems.

You’ll work closely with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to maintain compliance, improve payroll processes, and deliver a seamless employee payroll experience.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls for 50-500+ employees.
• Review and validate timecards, overtime, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and reimbursements.
• Process payroll using systems such as ADP, Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, or similar platforms.
• Verify payroll accuracy before final submission and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations

• Prepare and post payroll journal entries into accounting systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero.
• Reconcile payroll clearing accounts, payroll liabilities, and payroll-related bank transactions.
• Record benefits, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and employer contributions accurately.
• Support month-end and year-end financial close activities related to payroll.

Payroll Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and file federal, state, and local payroll taxes accurately and on time.
• Process payroll tax forms including Forms 941, W-2, 1099, and applicable state filings.
• Stay current with U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready payroll records and documentation.

Benefits & Employee Support

• Reconcile healthcare, retirement, and employee benefit deductions.
• Ensure payroll deductions align with employee elections and company policies.
• Support payroll onboarding for new hires, terminations, and employee changes.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, direct deposits, tax withholding, and pay statements.

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Generate payroll reports, headcount reports, and payroll summaries for leadership.
• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and reconciliations.
• Analyze payroll variances and identify discrepancies or trends.
• Improve payroll workflows through automation, process improvements, and standardized SOPs.

Required Experience & Skills

• 2+ years of experience in payroll processing or payroll accounting.
• Hands-on experience with at least one payroll platform such as ADP, Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, or BambooHR.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, payroll taxes, and compliance.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reconciliations.
• Experience preparing payroll journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work independently in a remote environment.

Nice to Have

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience managing multi-state or international payroll.
• Experience integrating payroll with accounting or HRIS systems.
• Familiarity with NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Workday, BambooHR, or Zenefits.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and compliance reviews.

What Success Looks Like

• Payroll processed accurately and on time every pay cycle.
• Less than 1% payroll error rate.
• Payroll tax filings completed before all deadlines.
• Payroll discrepancies resolved within two business days.
• Accurate payroll reconciliations and audit-ready documentation.
• Reliable payroll reporting that supports Finance and HR decision-making.

Interview Process

• Initial Recruiter Screening
• Video Interview with Pavago Recruiter
• Practical Assessment (Payroll Processing & Reconciliation Scenario)
• Client Interview
• Offer & Onboarding

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