Payroll Accountant (31512)

POSITION SUMMARY
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of biweekly payroll for approximately 400 employees in a manufacturing environment. This role plays a critical operational role within the HR function, ensuring payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, strong internal controls, and positive employee experience. The Senior Payroll Specialist partners closely with HR, Benefits, Finance, and Accounting to support payroll execution, audits, reporting, and continuous process improvement. This position requires strong technical payroll expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and multi-state experience (CA, OR, ID, and AZ). This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring candidates to be based in the greater Sacramento area for in-office collaboration as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Principal accountabilities:

• Prepare, audit, and process biweekly U.S. payroll for approximately 400 hourly and salaried employees.
• Review, validate, and reconcile timekeeping data, and ensure payroll data accuracy before submission for general ledger posting.
• Perform pre- and post-payroll audits, including variance analysis, reconciliation of payroll-related balance sheet accounts monthly, and exception review.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, corrections, retroactive adjustments, and manual payments.
• Maintain payroll controls to ensure accuracy and compliance, and strong internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Ensure accurate setup and maintenance of federal, state, and local tax withholdings.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA and applicable wage and hour regulations.
• Support payroll audits and prepare required documentation.
• Maintain payroll SOPs, process documentation, and checklists.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and urgency.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, and Finance on payroll data and deadlines.
• Support internal and external audits, including SOX (if applicable)
• Recommend and implement process improvements to reduce risk and increase efficiency
• Partner with HR on compensation, benefits deductions, leave programs, and employee changes
  

Education

• A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Accounting, Mathematics, or Finance; candidates with other degrees will be considered if they have relevant payroll or accounting experience.
• CPP Certification is preferred but not required
• Minimum of five (5) years' work-related experience in payroll and human resources

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• 5 years of hands-on U.S. payroll processing experience.
• Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms (Knowledge of PayCom is preferred)
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing (CA, OR, ID, and AZ).
• Experience supporting payrolls of 300-600 employees in a manufacturing or shift-based hourly workforce environment.
• Familiarity with payroll accounting, GL posting files, and reconciliations.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and v/x-lookups.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Competency Statement(s)

• The ability to perform the identified essential functions of the classification, including the operation of any machinery and/or equipment that is associated with performing the essential functions.
• The ability to perform the essential functions of the position in a cross-cultural, demanding, and dynamic environment.
• The ability to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat of harm to him/herself, others, or property.
• The ability to adhere to EBARA personnel policies and practices, including the attendance and punctuality requirements.
• The ability to work well under pressure, meet multiple and sometimes competing deadlines, and at all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors.