Payroll Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Our team members are the key to our company's success, and their health and well-being, as well as that of their families, is very important to us. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that allows our team members stay healthy, plan for their future and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Benefits may vary with employment status.

To see our fill list of Team Member Benefits please visit our career site:
www.gotoworkhappy.com/benefits
Job Description:
The Payroll Accounting Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate payroll accounting, reconciliation, and reporting in compliance with company policies, GAAP, and regulatory requirements. This role plays a key part in bridging payroll operations and accounting, with a strong focus on maintaining data integrity within Workday and supporting financial close activities.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Accounting & Reconciliation
Perform payroll-related journal entries, accruals, and adjustments in the general ledger
Reconcile payroll accounts including wages, taxes, benefits, deductions, and liabilities
Investigate and resolve discrepancies between payroll, HRIS (Workday), and financial systems
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
Workday Payroll Support
Maintain and audit payroll-related data within Workday for accuracy and completeness
Partner with HRIS and Payroll teams to ensure proper configuration of earnings, deductions, and costing allocations
Generate and analyze Workday payroll reports for accounting and audit purposes
Assist with payroll system updates, testing, and enhancements
Compliance & Reporting
Ensure payroll accounting complies with federal, state, and local regulations
Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and reconciliations
Prepare payroll-related financial reports and variance analyses
Ensure accurate posting of payroll tax liabilities and payments
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Payroll, Finance, HR, and Benefits teams to resolve issues and improve processes
Participate in continuous process improvement initiatives, including automation and standardization
Assist in implementing best practices in payroll accounting and financial controls
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
3-5+ years of payroll accounting or related experience
Hands-on experience with
Workday Payroll and/or Workday Financials
required
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of general ledger and payroll accounting principles
Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
Experience with ERP systems (Workday strongly preferred)
Understanding of payroll taxes, garnishments, and benefits accounting
Core Competencies
High attention to detail and strong analytical skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
Strong problem-solving and reconciliation capabilities
Effective communication and collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a multi-state or global payroll environment
Knowledge of SOX controls and compliance
Experience with payroll integrations and system implementations
Disclaimer
While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the current job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change, (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).