Payroll - Accounting Associate

Primary Objective: The Payroll/Accounting Associate supports accurate and timely payroll processing while assisting with accounting functions that maintain reliable financial records. This position works closely with Human Resources, Accounting, managers, and employees to verify payroll information, resolve discrepancies, process routine accounting transactions, and ensure company records are complete, accurate, confidential, and compliant with company policies and applicable wage, tax, and reporting requirements.

Areas Of Accountability

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Assist with the preparation, review, and processing of regular payroll cycles, ensuring employee pay, deductions, benefits, garnishments, paid time off, and other payroll-related items are accurate and processed on schedule.
• Review employee timekeeping records for completeness and accuracy; follow up with managers or employees regarding missing punches, approvals, coding, overtime, or other discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll records, employee payroll data, direct deposit information, tax withholding forms, benefit deductions, and other confidential payroll documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Respond to employee and manager payroll questions in a timely, professional, and confidential manner; research and resolve payroll discrepancies or route complex issues to the appropriate resource.
• Assist with payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger support to ensure payroll expenses, taxes, benefits, and deductions are properly recorded.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local payroll requirements, including wage and hour rules, payroll taxes, withholding requirements, and company pay practices.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation support, payroll audits, employee record review, and reconciliation of payroll-related accounts.
• Process or support routine accounting transactions, which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, deposits, expense coding, check requests, account reconciliations, and other financial recordkeeping duties.
• Review accounting documents for accuracy, completeness, appropriate approvals, and proper coding prior to processing or posting.
• Maintain organized payroll and accounting files to support audits, internal controls, reporting, and timely retrieval of information.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and accounting processes, strengthen accuracy, and support consistent procedures across the company.
• Provide backup support to payroll, accounting, and administrative functions as needed.
• All other payroll, accounting, and administrative responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Human Resources, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and payroll/accounting experience may be considered.
• Previous payroll, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, or related administrative experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work with confidential information, deadlines, and recurring pay-cycle requirements.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes, timekeeping systems, employee deductions, payroll taxes, and basic accounting principles preferred.
• Ability to research discrepancies, reconcile information, identify errors, and follow issues through to resolution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide professional support to employees, managers, vendors, and internal team members.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and complete assignments independently while working effectively as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs, including Excel and Word; experience with payroll, HRIS, accounting, or ERP systems preferred.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and customer service in all payroll and accounting interactions.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Environmental Adaptability

• Primarily office-based work requiring the ability to sit, stand, use a computer, keyboard, phone, and other standard office equipment for extended periods of time.
• Requires visual acuity and attention to detail for reviewing payroll records, accounting documents, reports, spreadsheets, and system data.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull office materials and supplies up to 20 pounds on occasion.
• Agricultural office environment with occasional interaction with employees, managers, and location personnel; limited exposure to seasonal weather or facility conditions may occur during site visits or company events.