Staff Accountant

Description

Cohere Life, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION: 12/11/2025

TITLE: Staff Accountant FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Accounting Manager LOCATION: Hybrid

Cohere’s Senior Payroll Specialist plays a key role in supporting a dynamic and expanding organization of

approximately 300 employees across seven U.S. states. This experienced and detail-oriented professional

will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining strict compliance

with federal and state wage, hour, and payroll tax regulations.

This position requires close collaboration with People Operations, Finance & Accounting, and Operations

teams to uphold payroll integrity, manage reporting, and support internal and external audits. The ideal

candidate brings 4 years of multi-state payroll experience, a strong command of payroll systems, and a

high level of discretion and accuracy.

All successful team members embrace and demonstrate the core values of Trust, Reciprocity, Spirit, and

Legacy while striving to exceed expectations.

Scope

• Process bi-weekly payroll cycles for ~300 employees across multiple states using Cohere’s HRIS
  
  

system. (e.g., ADP, Paycom, Paylocity, etc.)

• Ensure payroll accuracy by auditing hours, earnings, deductions, and tax withholdings.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws.
• Manage employee changes (hires, terminations, compensation changes, etc.) in Cohere’s HRIS
  
  

system ensuring accuracy in payroll updates.

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Manage nonexempt timekeeping, including training and support for employees and managers,
  
  

corrections and adjustments, and auditing.

• Audit weekly employee benefit discrepancy reports and make necessary adjustments, including
  
  

collaboration between employees and benefit providers. Ensure accuracy in the weekly EDI HRIS file

feed.

• Manage workers compensation quarterly reporting and annual audit.
• Monitor and respond to unemployment claims activity and requests for verification.
• Respond to and fulfill individual state earnings reporting requirements.
  
  

In collaboration with the Vice President, Finance and Accounting and Director, People Operations,

manage and oversee 401K program including deductions, loans, disbursements, notifications and

eligibility requirements are fulfilled. Respond to and prepare quarterly reporting and annual audits.

• Support the successful onboarding of new states with HRIS state tax code set-up and alignment
  
  

with state requirements. Audit state quarterly tax filings ensuring accuracy.

• Prepare and distribute year-end documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
• Collaborate with People Operations team to implement garnishments, benefits deductions, and
  
  

bonuses.

• Process monthly staff billing for clients.
• Support internal and external audits with payroll documentation.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support payroll-related reporting (e.g., EEO-1, ACA, etc.).
• Respond to general payroll inquiries in a professional, supportive and timely manner. Ensure the
  
  

delivery of final paychecks in accordance with state requirements.

• Process all invoices through to appropriate personnel for review / approval of invoice payments
  
  

utilizing online accounts payable software.

• Process Year End 1099 NEC & 1099 Misc for all vendors, submission of 1096 filing with the IRS.
• Set up vendors in Quick Books
• Other special projects as assigned.
  
  

Attributes

• Outstanding customer service skills and instincts
• Personable, tactful, and diplomatic
• High degree of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Innovative problem solver
• Able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Detail oriented, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to foster a collaborative environment with internal and external team members.
• Excellent verbal, written and personal communication skills.
• Enthusiastic, positive, and professional demeanor
• Flexible and adaptable
• Ability to establish and convey a sense of purpose in alignment with the values of Cohere.
  
  

Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or related field
• 4 years of experience in payroll processing, including multi-state payroll
• Proficient in payroll systems and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, V-lookups)
• Understanding of wage and hour regulations (FLSA), tax compliance and labor laws
• Familiarity with ACA, FMLA, COBRA and payroll-related compliance reporting
• Familiarity with payroll taxes and processes
• Experience in property management, real estate or hospitality industry
• Experience supporting a diverse workforce
  
  

Experience with QBO

• Exposure to HRIS integrations and payroll automation initiatives
• Empathetic with a strong desire to see every Cohere team member succeed.
  
  

Our Operating Principles

In Furtherance Of Our Mission Team Members Will

• Instill a sense of fun and enthusiasm into everything we do.
• Encourage a dynamic collaboration between internal and external stakeholders.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy and fair-mindedness in all interactions while providing exceptional
  
  

customer service.

• Reflect a work style based on inclusiveness, mutual respect, consensus-building, and responsiveness
  
  

to changing needs and opportunities.

• Embrace the vision, goals, and aspirations of Cohere.
  
  

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000 - $85,000 per year; year-end bonus eligibility up to 5% of gross annual salary

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Of
  
  

Cohere is an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

Once an adequate number of qualified candidates have been identified, the job posting may be withdrawn or closed