Senior Payroll Accountant

SENIOR PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT
Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (Hybrid) | $80,000 – $85,000

We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Senior Payroll Accountant to join a growing finance team. This role is ideal for a highly motivated accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys owning both payroll operations and core accounting functions.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing while supporting key accounting initiatives, financial reporting, and process improvements. The ideal candidate enjoys improving processes, maintaining strong financial controls, and collaborating cross-functionally with HR and leadership. Over time, this role can grow into an Accounting Manager or payroll/accounting leadership position based on performance and organizational needs.

Senior Payroll Accountant Key Responsibilities

Payroll Responsibilities

• Manage and process full-cycle payroll for employees across multiple states on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, commissions, benefits deductions, and payroll taxes
• The Senior Payroll Accountant will maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws
• Reconcile payroll reports, benefits deductions, and payroll tax filings to the general ledger
• Coordinate payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, promotions, garnishments, and benefit adjustments
• Review and audit payroll data for accuracy, resolving discrepancies and correcting errors as needed
• Partner with HR and Benefits teams to maintain accurate employee records and payroll changes
• The Senior Payroll Accountant will manage payroll tax filings, W-2 preparation, year-end payroll activities, and quarterly reporting
• Maintain and improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation to increase efficiency and accuracy
• Support payroll system maintenance, upgrades, and payroll-related reporting
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and provide timely resolution
• Ensure payroll records comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements

Accounting Responsibilities

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Maintain general ledger accuracy and investigate account discrepancies
• Assist with preparation of financial statements and internal reporting
• The Senior Payroll Accountant will reconcile payroll-related accounts, including payroll liabilities, benefits, and tax accounts
• Support external and internal audits by providing documentation and responding to requests
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting and payroll workflows
• Assist with implementation and strengthening of internal controls
• Collaborate with finance leadership on process improvements and financial initiatives

Preferred Qualifications of the Senior Payroll Accountant Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and/or payroll experience
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing
• Knowledge of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting/payroll systems or ERP platforms
• Experience with payroll software such as ADP, Paycom, UKG, or similar systems preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive payroll data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll/accounting professional looking to take ownership of payroll operations, contribute to accounting initiatives, and grow into a leadership role in a collaborative environment.