Demo

Principal Accountant- Payroll Taxes and Accounting

NJ TRANSIT and Careers
Newark, NJ Full Time
POSTED ON 4/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/13/2026
Move forward with us! At NJ TRANSIT, you'll join us in transforming the third-largest transportation agency in North America. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable service that gets customers to their destinations on time–and we're looking to hire talented folks with a commitment to excellence to make it all possible.

Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Create and process G/L Journal Entries to ensure timely and accurate reporting of Payroll data.
  • Prepare G/L Account Reconciliations (balance sheet/income statement) to ensure proper and accurate account activity.
  • Perform and review analyses of Payroll G/L accounts; identify and resolve reconciling items and accounting issues on a timely basis.
  • Responsible for the reconciliation, payment, and filing of Payroll Tax withholdings, including Railroad Retirement (RRB) Taxes.
  • Establish/verify accurate RRB/Federal/State/Local Tax setup of employee records; based on W4 forms, work state, residence state, Rail vs. Non-Rail status, including employee transfers and new hires.
  • Research tax issues using various payroll publications and government websites, summarize findings, and apply to all levels of management.
  • Assist and coordinate information requests for internal and external audits.
  • Assist with year-end balancing and reconciliation for accuracy of Payroll and W2 reporting.
  • Maintain monthly posting of creditable months for RRB reporting.
  • Process weekly direct deposit and ACH bank transmissions, positive pay (check) files, and related reconciliations.
  • Run queries, manage downloads, and prepare detailed spreadsheets and reports for all levels of management to facilitate the flow of Payroll information and resolve issues.
  • Perform system testing and troubleshooting issues, implement new processes, and periodic vendor upgrades.
  • Provide oversight and direction to Payroll union staff in performing tasks.
  • Provide excellent Customer Service to all internal/external customers.
  • Complete projects as assigned by all levels of management.
Supervision Given to:
  • N/A
Education, Experience and Qualifications:
Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related area, and five (5) years of Payroll experience
Knowledge and Skills:
  • Required proficiency in (MS) Excel, spreadsheets, macros, Access databases, and other MS applications.
  • Detail oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Able to multi-task and prioritize to meet deadlines.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal skills.
Preferred:
  • Payroll HCM (Oracle) experience a plus.
  • Experience with Payroll Journal Entries, Account Reconciliation, Payroll Tax and Deduction regulations.
  • Critical thinking self-starter, experience with RRB Tax and Discoverer or Orbit Report Writer a plus.
Physical Demands:
  • Occasional lifting of boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
At NJ Transit, you will enjoy a competitive salary and excellent benefits package:
  • Comprehensive Family Health Insurance – Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Leave
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits Plan
  • Retirement Plans
    • 401(a) - Retirement plan with a 6% employer contribution
    • 401(k) - Retirement saving plan with up to an 3% company match
    • 457(b) - Deferred Savings Plan
At NJ TRANSIT, diversity and inclusivity are vital to our success as we are committed to hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and veteran status. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply and join our team.
Learn more about NJ TRANSIT! Sign up to receive an invitation to our next live information session at WWW.NJTRANSIT.COM/BEST
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Salary.com Estimation for Principal Accountant- Payroll Taxes and Accounting in Newark, NJ
$92,675 to $115,960
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