Payroll Administrator

Payroll Administrator Full-Time · Year-Round · Posted Confidentially

ABOUT THE FIRM

We are a full-service tax and accounting firm operating at serious volume. Every year we process 2,500 tax returns, manage payroll for 250 active payroll clients, handle full-service bookkeeping for businesses of all sizes, assist with new business formations, and serve as the complete back-end financial operation for clients who range from individual filers and military families to contractors, farmers, small business owners, and multi-entity enterprises. This isn't a boutique practice — it's a high-volume, high-expectation environment where the work is real, the pace is real, and the impact on our clients' financial lives is very real. We run lean, we run fast, and we hold ourselves to a high standard across every service line. We're not looking for someone to sit at a desk and look busy. We're looking for someone who makes the whole operation run better.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

With 250 active payroll clients across our book of business, payroll here is not a side function — it's a core service line with a dedicated team behind it. As part of that team, you'll carry your own client load: running multi-state payroll, handling compliance filings, and managing deadlines across your assigned clients with precision. The team shares the volume — but every person owns their piece completely. Payroll doesn't get second chances. If you know that, and you're built for it — this is the role.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Manage payroll processes for your assigned client roster — multi-company, multi-state, no exceptions (part of a dedicated payroll team serving 250 total clients)
• Collect and review timesheets; calculate hours, commissions, bonuses, withholdings, and deductions with precision
• Prepare and issue earnings statements, paychecks, and direct deposits on schedule
• Maintain employee records across a large portfolio of client accounts
• Answer client employee questions about payroll matters — clearly, accurately, and professionally
• Maintain Workers' Compensation policies and payments for multiple companies
• Prepare and submit documentation for Workers' Compensation audits
• Provide administrative support to the accounting department as needed
• Any duty assigned by your supervisor is part of this role — there may be times you're asked to step outside your usual scope, and when that happens, it's expected that you'll show up and work as directed

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 2 years of payroll experience in an office environment — required
• High school diploma or GED required; degree in accounting, finance, or business administration preferred
• Experience with PayrollRelief or similar platforms (ADP, Paychex, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation — a significant plus
• Prior experience managing Workers' Compensation and disability/liability insurance policies — strongly desired
• Strong numerical aptitude and a genuine obsession with getting it right
• Excellent communication skills — you're dealing with multiple clients' employees, and they care about their paychecks
• Solid knowledge of federal and state payroll laws and regulations — not the time to be learning on the job

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily sedentary role requiring extended periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer
• Regularly required to use hands for typing, filing, and general computer operation
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, or reach
• Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs occasionally (e.g., a case of copy paper)
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks including typing and document handling\

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• A team that knows what it's doing — and a firm that's growing

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter telling us why this role is the right fit for you. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Payroll management: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Watertown, NY 13601 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Watertown, NY 13601: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $25