Payroll and Bookkeeping Specialist

Position Summary

Business Wise is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and client-focused Payroll & Bookkeeping Specialist to join our growing team. This position is responsible for managing payroll processing, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting clients with day-to-day accounting needs, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate is dependable, enjoys working with numbers, has excellent customer service skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls accurately and on time.
• Calculate employee wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, and deductions.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns, including Forms 941, 940, state withholding, unemployment, and local payroll tax filings.
• Process new hires, terminations, wage changes, and employee benefit deductions.
• Prepare and distribute W-2s and assist with year-end payroll reconciliations.
• Respond to payroll-related client questions and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate financial records for multiple clients.
• Record and categorize financial transactions.
• Reconcile bank, credit card, and loan accounts.
• Prepare monthly financial statements.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Assist with budgeting and cash flow reporting.
• Prepare sales tax returns and other required state filings.
• Maintain organized digital client files and documentation.

Client Service

• Build strong relationships with clients through professional communication.
• Provide timely responses to client inquiries.
• Identify potential accounting issues and communicate them to management.
• Assist clients in understanding financial reports and payroll information.

General Accounting Support

• Assist with year-end tax preparation.
• Gather documentation for tax returns and audits.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information.
• Support additional accounting projects as assigned.

QualificationsRequired

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of bookkeeping and payroll experience.
• Knowledge of payroll tax laws and payroll processing.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online (QuickBooks Desktop experience is a plus).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred

• Experience working in a public accounting or bookkeeping firm.
• Familiarity with payroll software such as Gusto, ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks Payroll.
• Experience with sales tax filings.
• Knowledge of basic income tax concepts.
• Experience with document management and cloud-based accounting systems.

Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High level of integrity and confidentiality
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment

Schedule

• Part Time with the potential to grow into a full time position
• Monday through Friday VIRTUAL position; flexible hours within the working business day

Why Join Business Wise?At Business Wise, we believe our clients deserve more than just an accountant—they deserve a trusted financial ally. Our team works closely with businesses throughout every stage of their journey, providing personalized accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, tax, and consulting services. If you're passionate about helping businesses succeed while working in a supportive and collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you.