Payroll Accountant

Join a Mission That Moves Richmond

GRTC is deeply connected to the communities we serve, offering opportunities to shape the future of public transit through innovative service designs, major capital projects, and a growing regional network. Every day, our work powers more than 30,000 transit trips and supports mobility for people across the region. With new routes, expanded connections, and a second bus rapid transit line under development to complement the Pulse, our ITDP Bronze Medal-winning flagship system, GRTC continues to play a central role in regional mobility. Joining GRTC means being part of a mission-driven team with the chance to make a lasting impact on how people move and connect.

SUMMARY

The Payroll Accountant supports the Finance Department at GRTC Transit System by ensuring payroll data is accurate, complete, and audit-ready for biweekly payroll processing. This role is responsible for gathering, reviewing, and reconciling payroll inputs to support the Payroll Manager and ensure payroll is processed on time and in compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and organizational policies. The Payroll Accountant serves as a key partner in maintaining payroll accuracy, resolving discrepancies, and supporting financial reporting and compliance efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Managing the employee master data within the payroll system which includes:
• Processing Direct Deposit changes
• Processing W-4 and VA-4 requested changes.
• Changing and updating pay rates
• Updating and maintaining voluntary & involuntary deductions (HSA, Union dues, 457 ATU, MetLife Loans, MetLife Pension, Child Support, Bankruptcy, Garnishments and Liens).
• Prepare, reconcile and record payroll transactions:
• Collecting and analyzing payroll data inputs for accuracy and completeness
• Collect, verify, and reconcile timesheets bi-weekly with Transportation Time & Attendance Coordinator to ensure accuracy and compliance with the union agreement.
• Calculate salary changes, bonuses and retro payments.
• Calculate non-exempt overtime pay. 
• Update and track leave balances for all departments bi-weekly.
• Prepare check requests (Garnishments/Liens, Child Support, Bankruptcy, Union Dues, COPE Dues, MetLife Repayment Loans & 529 EDU).
• File Payroll documents and maintain payroll records, in alignment with document retention policy.
• Prepare reports and upload employee deductions for HSA, MetLife contributions & 457 ATU.
• Respond and resolve employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner.
• Support the GRTC Monthly and Annual Closing Process
• Fixed Asset Accounting as assigned.
• Liability account reconciliations as assigned.
• Preparation of Journal Entries as assigned

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

QUALIFICATIONS:

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty at a high level of accuracy and reliability. The requirements outlined below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to meet the expectations of the position. GRTC Transit System is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.

Education / Experiences / Certifications:

• Associate degree in accounting, business, or finance preferred.  
• 3-5 years of experience in payroll processing, year-end payroll processes, or equivalent experience.
• Payroll processing experience preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills, mindfulness, and customer service required.
• PC proficient in Windows, Excel, and Microsoft Office. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.