Payroll specialist

Location: Durham NC/ Hybrid

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000 annually

Reports To: Accounting Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Accountant to join our Accounting and Finance team. This position will be responsible for processing and reconciling payroll, preparing payroll-related journal entries, maintaining general ledger accuracy, and supporting month-end and year-end close activities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong combination of payroll and accounting experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and employees across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and review weekly, biweekly, and/or semi-monthly payroll accurately and on time.

• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries to the general ledger.

• Reconcile payroll accounts, including wages, payroll taxes, benefits, deductions, and accrued liabilities.

• Perform payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations.

• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.

• Review employee payroll information for accuracy and investigate discrepancies.

• Assist with federal, state, and local payroll tax reporting and reconciliations.

• Support preparation and reconciliation of W-2s and other year-end payroll reporting.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation.

• Assist with audits and provide payroll documentation as requested.

• Partner with HR and Accounting to resolve payroll, benefits, deduction, and employee-related issues.

• Ensure payroll processes follow established internal controls and applicable requirements.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, reporting, and efficiencies.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and financial information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.

• 3+ years of payroll, accounting, or payroll accounting experience preferred.

• Strong understanding of payroll processing and general ledger accounting.

• Experience preparing journal entries and account reconciliations.

• Knowledge of payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, and benefits.

• Experience supporting month-end close preferred.

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables and lookup functions.

• Experience with payroll platforms such as Paylocity preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Ability to meet payroll and accounting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-state payroll experience.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

• Experience working with high-volume payroll.

• Experience with payroll system implementations or process improvements.

• Previous experience working closely with Accounting, Finance, and HR teams

Pay Details: $75,000.00 to $85,000.00 per year

Search managed by: Jennifer Mirgoli

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.