Payroll Accountant Jobs in the United States
Honu
Atlanta, GA
Must have sufficient mobility, including but not limited to bending, reaching, and kneeling to complete daily duties in a timely and efficient manner. There is a possibility that due to parking availability and location of work, walking moderate to long distance may be required.
Virtual Company
$70000 - $75000 Per year
Los Angeles, CA
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Virtual Company
$65000 - $80000 Per year
Charlotte, NC
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Virtual Company
$65000 - $70000 Per year
Manhattan, NY
Prepares reports and provides payroll information by reviewing/compiling summaries of earnings, direct deposits, federal payroll taxes, garnishments, and other deductions; extracting data from system files and tables for specialized reporting; coordinating with the Director of Payroll. Determines the accuracy of payroll information by balancing the payroll accounts and resolving payroll discrepancies; under the supervision of the Director of Payroll, coordinates the payroll interface process to accurately report payroll costs on the general ledger.
Virtual Company
$80000 - $85000 Per year
Brentwood, TN
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure.
Virtual Company
$67000 - $70000 Per year
Los Angeles, CA
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. You will be responsible for managing the full cycle of accounts payable, including processing high volumes of invoices, handling vendor communications, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
Virtual Company
$26 - $30 Per hour
South Windsor, CT
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Essential Functions for the Accounts Payable Accountant:The Accounts Payable Accountant will process and manage full-cycle accounts payable, including verifying, coding, and posting invoices.
Virtual Company
$60000 Per year
Los Angeles, CA
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. The Accounts Payable Accountant will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, payments, and maintaining positive relationships with vendors.
Virtual Company
$26 - $29 Per hour
East Windsor, CT
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. The Accounts Payable Accountant will play a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, expense reports, and payments.
Virtual Company
$65000 - $75000 Per year
Los Angeles, CA
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Virtual Company
$33.65 - $36.06 Per hour
Cobbs Corner, NJ
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure.
Virtual Company
$65000 - $70000 Per year
New York, NY
Under the supervision of the Director of Payroll, analyzes, prepares, and inputs payroll data, uses electronic systems to track time and leave and produce accurate and timely payrolls; ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation and sick accruals, tax deductions, benefits deductions, garnishments, etc. Prepares reports and provides payroll information by reviewing/compiling summaries of earnings, direct deposits, federal payroll taxes, garnishments, and other deductions; extracting data from system files and tables for specialized reporting; coordinating with the Director of Payroll.
Virtual Company
$22 - $26 Per hour
Plainville, CT
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Virtual Company
$30 - $47 Per hour
Denver, CO
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Virtual Company
$30 - $35 Per hour
Burlington, VT
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Oversight and review of daily real estate closing process, including accuracy of journal entries, insuring accuracy of agent rate structure in the system and investigation and resolution of issues; Developing a monthly close process to ensure all key account reconciliations are performed .
Virtual Company
$55000 - $65000 Per year
Columbus, OH
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure.
Virtual Company
$75000 Per year
Vero Beach, FL
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Virtual Company
$65000 - $75000 Per year
Cincinnati, OH
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Payroll Accountant Jobs Overview
As a payroll accountant, you calculate wages, follow labor laws, and process payroll transactions. Payroll accountant jobs typically exist in most medium and large businesses, including insurance and finance companies, tax preparation and accounting services, and government agencies. But you could work in almost any industry that excites you!
Daily tasks for a payroll accountant include:
- payroll reporting
- data collection
- account reconciliation
- deduction processing
- compliance checks
Payroll accountant jobs are a great fit for those who favor stability. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job growth is 6%, which is higher than the national average.
Most payroll accountants work a standard 40-hour workweek in an office environment. However, some companies offer remote or hybrid work options to employees.
Salaries for Payroll Accountants
The median salary for a payroll accountant is $73,576 a year. However, annual pay can vary based on your location, experience, and industry. Payroll accountants typically make between $63,785 and $84,717 annually.
Some of the highest wages for payroll accountant jobs are paid in the following cities:
To learn more about what salary you should expect in your location, use our salary calculator. You'll also gain insight into similar roles, which can help you advance your career.
How to Find Payroll Accountant Jobs That Fit You
As you begin your search for the ideal payroll accountant position, consider your professional strengths, career goals, and ideal work environment. By keeping these in mind, you're more likely to identify an opportunity that supports your long-term aspirations. Use the following tips to streamline your job search and find the right fit.
Carefully Consider the Job Description
Read through the job description to better understand the position's responsibilities and requirements. For instance, duties may include calculating net wages and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. If these play to your strengths, the job could be a good fit.
Look at the Job Environment
What comes to mind when you envision your perfect workplace environment? Perhaps you love the idea of working in a small, laid-back office. Alternatively, you might prefer the exciting pace of a large corporate setting.
Check the description to see if you'll be required to travel to different offices for the role. Also, will you work alone or be part of a payroll team? These factors may determine your happiness while on the job.
Look for the Right Culture Match
Once you’ve started to narrow down your choices, it's critical to ensure you apply to companies that have a mission statement you can believe in. Review the company’s website and look at their employee and customer reviews. Once you've gotten a better understanding of their company values, you can decide whether to apply for the payroll accountant position or simply move on.
How to Apply for Payroll Accountant Jobs
Once you've identified the payroll accountant job that best matches your skills, interests, and goals, it's time to apply. Using the following advice, you'll be better positioned to capture a hiring manager's attention with your resume and cover letter.
Update Your Resume
It's important to have a well-crafted resume that will help you stand out in the competitive job market. For each employer, tailor your resume by highlighting the skills most relevant to the position, such as accuracy, communication, and compliance. Use concise language to cover your expertise and work history.
Always assess the needs of your potential employer by checking the job listing requirements. Including the right keywords can instantly help your resume stand out. Here are some of the most common keywords for a payroll accountant position:
- payroll processing
- accounts payable
- reconciling
- invoicing
- general ledger
- journal entries
- accounts receivable
Consider using these phrases in your experience section, supplementing them with data that shows what you've accomplished in past positions. You may use bullet points and bold text to call attention to the most critical aspects of your accounting resume.
For more assistance, you can turn to Monster's Professional Resume Writing Services. We will craft the ideal resume filled with keywords and data related to your previous positions. This is a great way to bypass applicant tracking system filters and get your resume directly into the hands of the hiring manager.
Always Include a Cover Letter
Including a cover letter is a good way to engage with the hiring manager, even if the job listing doesn't request one. Here's how to make a good impression with your cover letter:
- Express your interest: Introduce yourself and explain your excitement about the company and the position.
- Show how you'll meet their needs: Explain how your education, work experience, and skills satisfy the job requirements.
- Mention your achievements: Highlight any accomplishments in accounting, such as streamlining financial processes or improving reporting accuracy for a previous employer.
- Showcase your expertise: Bring up your familiarity with software like QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, and mention your CPA certification if it's applicable. You can also call out soft skills like your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and accuracy in calculations and data entry.
- Conclude with gratitude: Always thank them for their time, and say you're hopeful about landing an interview.
Submit Your Application via Monster
Create your free Monster account to make applying to payroll accountant jobs quick and easy. You'll receive a free resume review, and we will forward job postings that match your skills directly to your inbox. Use your account to keep track of your applications and turn on notifications to never miss an exciting opportunity.
How to Follow Up on a Payroll Accountant Application
Getting a payroll accountant position often requires a timely and strategic follow-up. Keep in mind that the employer has probably received a lot of applications, so you must give them time to review. The right time to follow up on an application is approximately one to two weeks after submitting it.
It's important to address your follow-up email to the right person. If the job listing and the company's website don't provide this information, then follow up with their HR department.
When it's time to write your follow-up message, be sure to include the following points:
- Let them know you're enthusiastic about the payroll accountant job.
- Take a moment to restate your skills and experience, plus how you believe you can help their organization.
- State that you'll happily provide extra information that might help them make a decision.
Interviewing Tips for Payroll Accountant Jobs
Your hard work has paid off and you've landed an interview! Here are a few tips to help you get ready.
Prepare for Every Interview Type
Payroll accountant job interviews come in many types: in-person interviews, phone screenings, panel interviews, video calls, etc. Remaining flexible is your best course of action. When you receive the invite, ask which type of interview you can expect.
Prepare for Common and Specific Questions
Many interviews start with basic questions about your strengths, weaknesses, and experiences. Be ready to answer these questions in a concise, straightforward manner. You'll also want to prepare detailed responses for questions specific to payroll accountant responsibilities, such as:
- How do you avoid making payroll errors?
- Can you describe FLSA to me?
- How do you maintain each employee's confidential information?
- What are the different types of payroll taxes and how are they calculated?
- Describe a situation where you had to address a payroll compliance issue and how you resolved it.
Be Prepared to Discuss Payroll Reporting
Payroll reporting is an essential piece of the job. Be prepared to discuss it, along with account reconciliation, deduction processing, and data collection. Show off your expertise by discussing each in detail.
Stay on Top of Industry Trends
Payroll accountant jobs evolve with technology. During your interview, it’s wise to showcase your knowledge of AI, cloud-based accounting, predictive analytics, and advanced payroll software.
Behavioral Questions Allow More Insight
Prepare to answer behavioral-based questions, which provide insight into who you are and how you work. For example, you may be asked, "Can you describe a time when you successfully used AI to boost your payroll accounting?"
Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to craft attention-grabbing answers to behavioral questions you might receive. This approach helps you to provide more structured responses that showcase your skills and accomplishments.
Follow Up With a Thank You Note
Sending a thank you note or email within 24 hours of the interview is the perfect way to show your appreciation. It also gives you the opportunity to include a crucial sentence: "Thank you for your time, and I look forward to our next meeting." This hints that your working relationship will continue.
Responding to a Job Offer
Getting a payroll accountant job offer is fantastic. There are still a few points to consider before you accept the offer.
Show Your Gratitude
Show how grateful you are for the opportunity by crafting a well-thought-out response. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your professionalism.
Ask for Time to Consider Their Offer
Rather than immediately accepting the job, request a short period — usually one or two days — to review the offer. This provides an opportunity to complete your due diligence by looking over the job responsibilities, terms, and how the position aligns with your career path.
Clarify Any Necessary Points
Take a moment to verify that every detail is listed on your offer letter. If anything appears missing or unclear, inquire about why it was left out. This ensures clarity and helps avoid any future misunderstandings.
Look Over the Entire Compensation Package
Your entire compensation package can tell you a lot more about the value of your position. You could be offered a larger salary than you currently make, but a lack of benefits might make it worth less overall. Payroll accountants serve an important role, so ask about the bonus structure and performance expectations if this is unclear.
Negotiate if Necessary
If your salary offer is lower than expected, always reiterate your skills, education, and experience to persuade the employer. You may also be able to negotiate other benefits, such as paid time off.
Career Paths for Payroll Accountant Jobs
Payroll accountants have well-defined career paths although your particular interests could lead to opportunities as an analyst or accounting specialist. Along the way, you may move up into managerial roles as you gain experience. Here are a few examples to consider:
- Payroll manager: You'll be responsible for managing all payroll operations, including ensuring everything is calculated correctly.
- Accounting manager: You'll be responsible for overseeing all accounting positions within your company.
- Controller: You'll oversee your company's treasury and supervise the financial and accounting quality.
As you look for higher-level positions, consider advancing your education with a master's degree in finance or accounting. Joining professional organizations like the American Payroll Association can also help with your career progress. Additionally, keeping up with technological advancements in payroll software and systems helps ensure a bright future in the industry.
Similar Occupations
Looking for options beyond payroll accountant jobs? Broaden your search by keeping these similar roles in mind: