Payroll Specialist

About the Position

E&M, PLLC is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our growing team. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented payroll professional who understands the complexities of payroll processing and compliance and can confidently manage payroll-related responsibilities for multiple clients.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, with strong knowledge of Iowa payroll requirements and Iowa Workforce Development. Experience working with ADP is required, and experience preparing and filing sales tax returns is highly preferred.

This is an important client-facing role within our firm. The right person will be organized, dependable, responsive, and comfortable taking ownership of payroll responsibilities while working collaboratively with our accounting team and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely payroll for multiple clients and/or entities.
• Set up and maintain payroll accounts, employees, deductions, tax information, and related records.
• Manage payroll processing through ADP and troubleshoot payroll-related issues.
• Prepare and submit federal, state, and local payroll tax filings as required.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of Iowa Workforce Development requirements and reporting.
• Assist with new employer and payroll account setup with Iowa Workforce Development and other applicable agencies.
• Monitor payroll tax liabilities, deadlines, deposits, and filings to ensure compliance.
• Reconcile payroll reports and payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, tax notices, and employee payroll questions.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with clients regarding payroll matters.
• Maintain accurate and organized payroll documentation and records.
• Stay current on changes to payroll laws, regulations, tax rates, and reporting requirements.
• Assist with year-end payroll processes, including W-2s and other applicable reporting.
• Prepare, review, and/or file sales tax returns when applicable.
• Assist with sales tax registrations, notices, reconciliations, and related compliance matters.
• Work closely with other members of the accounting team to provide a high level of client service.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive payroll and financial information.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional payroll experience.
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll and managing payroll compliance in Iowa.
• Strong knowledge of Iowa Workforce Development requirements, including payroll account setup and reporting.
• ADP experience is required.
• Strong understanding of federal and state payroll tax requirements.
• Experience with payroll tax filings, deposits, reconciliations, and year-end reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a public accounting or CPA firm.
• Experience managing payroll for multiple clients.
• Experience preparing and filing sales tax returns.
• Familiarity with sales tax registrations, reconciliations, and state/local sales tax requirements.
• Experience responding to payroll or sales tax notices.
• Strong Excel and general accounting software skills.
• Experience working directly with business owners and accounting clients.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in getting the details right and understands that payroll is more than simply processing a paycheck. The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes ownership of their work and follows through.
• Is highly organized and deadline-driven.
• Can identify problems and find solutions.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with clients and coworkers.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced, growing environment.
• Is willing to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and accuracy.
• Wants to be part of a team where hard work is recognized and people genuinely enjoy working together.

Why Join E&M, PLLC?

At E&M, PLLC, you’ll have the opportunity to grow alongside a rapidly expanding firm while working with a team that values both professional excellence and a great workplace culture.

We believe that doing excellent work and enjoying where you work should go hand in hand. If you’re an experienced payroll professional looking for a position where you can make an impact, build strong client relationships, and continue to grow your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary Range: $45,000–$50,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Payroll: 5 years (Preferred)

Location:

• West Des Moines, IA 50266 (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• West Des Moines, IA 50266: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000