Payroll Accountant

The Position

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for processing and auditing payroll, maintaining payroll records, supporting accounting functions related to payroll, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company policies. This role works closely with Human Resources, Finance, and department leaders to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, reporting, and reconciliation activities.

About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper ("PTPC") mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium, and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

At PTPC, we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service. PTPC is proud to provide good, prevailing wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit payroll transactions, earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit withholdings for accuracy and compliance.
• Review payroll reports and reconciliations prior to final payroll processing.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, variances, and reporting issues.
• Audit and reconcile Washington State L&I premiums, PFML deductions, and related payroll reporting obligations.
• Support workers’ compensation reporting, claims documentation, and payroll-related audit requests as needed.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and prepare supporting documentation.
• Perform benefit reconciliations including medical, dental, vision, retirement, HSA/FSA, and other employee benefit deductions.
• Review and audit Group Term Life (GTL) imputed income calculations, ensuring accurate payroll tax reporting and proper inclusion in employee taxable wages in accordance with IRS requirements.
• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities related to payroll accounting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and wage laws.
• Review timekeeping, pay practices, shift differentials, overtime calculations, and union contract compliance where applicable.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, audits, and documentation requests.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Partner with HR and Payroll teams to ensure employee changes, compensation updates, and deductions are accurately reflected in payroll systems.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and strengthen payroll internal controls.
• Generate payroll analytics, audit findings, and financial reports for leadership.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and labor reporting.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for payroll accounting questions and compliance matters.
• Prepare and analyze internal payroll reports, including headcount, key performance indicators (KPIs), employee turnover, and overtime (OT), to support management decision-making and workforce planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification required
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll accounting, auditing, benefits reconciliation, or accounting experience required.
• Knowledge of Washington State payroll compliance requirements including L&I, PFML, GTL imputed income reporting, and workers’ compensation processes required.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, internal controls, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, employee benefits, garnishments, and payroll reporting.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems such as Paycom, or similar platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reconciliation functions, and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in manufacturing, union environments, or multi-state payroll operations preferred.
• Experience with payroll auditing, labor cost analysis, and employee benefits administration preferred.

Employment Terms

• Full Time, exempt position
• Salary Range: $103,500-$160,500
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, 9 holidays, and 1 personal holiday day
• Retirement plan with 4% match plus an additional 2% annual contribution
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment and ongoing drug testing, as this is a safety-sensitive position.
• Proof of authorization to work in the United States is required at hire.

Port Townsend Paper Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.

Salary : $103,500 - $160,500