Payroll Accountant

Payroll Accountant (U.S. Payroll, ADP/Gusto, Payroll Compliance) – Remote

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote
Working Hours: U.S. Business Hours
About the Role

At Pavago , one of our clients is hiring a Payroll Accountant to manage end-to-end payroll processing, payroll accounting, tax compliance, and payroll reporting for U.S.-based organizations.

This is more than just processing payroll. You’ll ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, payroll taxes are filed correctly, financial records remain audit-ready, and payroll data is properly reconciled with accounting systems.

You’ll work closely with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to maintain compliance, improve payroll processes, and deliver a seamless employee payroll experience.
Responsibilities
Payroll Processing

- Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls for 50–500+ employees.

- Review and validate timecards, overtime, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and reimbursements.

- Process payroll using systems such as ADP, Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, or similar platforms.

- Verify payroll accuracy before final submission and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations

- Prepare and post payroll journal entries into accounting systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero.

- Reconcile payroll clearing accounts, payroll liabilities, and payroll-related bank transactions.

- Record benefits, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and employer contributions accurately.

- Support month-end and year-end financial close activities related to payroll.

Payroll Tax & Compliance

- Prepare and file federal, state, and local payroll taxes accurately and on time.

- Process payroll tax forms including Forms 941, W-2, 1099, and applicable state filings.

- Stay current with U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.

- Maintain organized, audit-ready payroll records and documentation.

Benefits & Employee Support

- Reconcile healthcare, retirement, and employee benefit deductions.

- Ensure payroll deductions align with employee elections and company policies.

- Support payroll onboarding for new hires, terminations, and employee changes.

- Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, direct deposits, tax withholding, and pay statements.

Reporting & Process Improvement

- Generate payroll reports, headcount reports, and payroll summaries for leadership.

- Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and reconciliations.

- Analyze payroll variances and identify discrepancies or trends.

- Improve payroll workflows through automation, process improvements, and standardized SOPs.

Required Experience & Skills

- 2+ years of experience in payroll processing or payroll accounting.

- Hands-on experience with at least one payroll platform such as ADP, Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, or BambooHR.

- Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, payroll taxes, and compliance.

- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reconciliations.

- Experience preparing payroll journal entries and account reconciliations.

- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to manage deadlines and work independently in a remote environment.

Nice to Have

- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

- Experience managing multi-state or international payroll.

- Experience integrating payroll with accounting or HRIS systems.

- Familiarity with NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Workday, BambooHR, or Zenefits.

- Experience supporting payroll audits and compliance reviews.

What Success Looks Like

- Payroll processed accurately and on time every pay cycle.

- Less than 1% payroll error rate.

- Payroll tax filings completed before all deadlines.

- Payroll discrepancies resolved wi