Payroll Accountant

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

May perform any or all of the following duties:

• Process and audit payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple locations and jurisdictions.
• Review and validate payroll transactions, including wage adjustments, bonuses, supplemental payments, deductions, and direct deposits.
• Apply a solid understanding of the general ledger to ensure payroll transactions flow accurately through the GL; prepare and record payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll-related balance-sheet accounts.
• Research and resolve payroll-related balance-sheet discrepancies and out-of-balance accounts, including inherited unresolved and backlogged items, by identifying root causes and booking corrective entries.
• Perform payroll tax-related reconciliations, including tax withholdings, W-2 reconciliation, tax payments and refunds, and record related accounting corrections.
• Once trained, independently determine the appropriate accounting treatment for payroll-related transactions and corrections, escalating unusual or complex situations as needed.
• Own the payroll-related portions of the month-end/period-end and year-end close, including payroll accruals and the associated account reconciliations and journal entries.
• Review and explain quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year fluctuations and variances in payroll-generated accounts (not the broader balance sheet or P&L) as part of quarterly controls and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and wage-and-hour laws.
• Coordinate payroll tax filings, amendments, audits, unemployment claims, garnishments, and wage attachments.
• Research and resolve payroll-related inquiries from restaurant management, employees, Human Resources, and Finance.
• Maintain payroll records and support internal and external audit requests.
• Generate payroll, labor, and workforce reporting to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Partner with Human Resources and Operations to ensure accurate employee data, compensation changes, and timekeeping records.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and special projects as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent relevant accounting experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. CPA not required.
• 3+ years of payroll accounting, general ledger, or related accounting experience.
• Solid understanding of the general ledger, including debits, credits, journal entries, and balance-sheet accounts, and how payroll transactions flow through the GL.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing and payroll tax compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll/HRIS systems such as ADP, UKG, Oracle HCM, Workday, or PeopleSoft.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently research issues, identify root causes, and develop solutions; exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Experience supporting large, decentralized employee populations is preferred.
• Must have strong work ethics and a high level of confidentiality to ensure proper handling of sensitive information

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Restaurant Support Center that operates in a fast-paced setting with a high volume of activity and a deadline-driven environment. The role follows a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence in the office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for extended periods of time, using telephone, typing and/or operating a computer and/or mouse.

THE COMPANY RETAINS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR ASSIGN OTHER DUTIES TO THIS POSITION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE.