Accounting and Payroll Specialist

Peta-Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 43,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

PETA Foundation is seeking an Accounting and Payroll Specialist to handle payroll processing, tax withholdings, and general accounting duties. The role requires accuracy, independence, and strong Excel skills. The candidate will manage bi-weekly payroll, multi-state tax matters, and prepare audit reports.

Responsibilities include journal entries, ledger reconciliations, and staff training, with an emphasis on compliance and timely reporting. Competitive hourly pay and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Completion of college-level accounting coursework.
• Five years of industry or public accounting experience.
• Experience with Paylocity or other payroll systems.
• Experience with multi-state payroll tax.
• Proficiency with Sage 100 or similar accounting software.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for the organization.
• Calculate final checks including accrued vacation and update records.
• Process internal payroll related to payables.
• Assist with timecard review for labor law matters.
• Manage multi-state payroll tax matters.
• Maintain compliance with Federal and State laws.
• Produce reports for annual financial audits.
• Post journal entries to the general ledger.
• Train staff in payroll procedures.
• Support year-end reconciliations.

Skills

Payroll processing

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Public speaking

Education

College-level accounting coursework

Tools

Paylocity

Sage 100

Microsoft Excel

Job description

All Jobs > Accounting and Payroll Specialist

To perform duties related to payroll, tax withholding, and to apply principles of accounting to analyze information, prepare and reconcile accounts, and use appropriate audit control procedures

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Process bi-weekly payroll for the PETA Foundation, including updating payroll deductions, accruals, and ensuring proper tax withholding is established
• Calculate final checks, including accrued vacation time, and update payroll records for terminated employees
• Process internal payroll related to payables
• Assist with timecard review for labor law matters
• Assist with multi-state payroll tax matters
• Stay current with payroll regulations and ensure compliance with Federal and State laws
• Address employee payroll questions and resolve any issues that may arise
• Perform bi-weekly and semi-yearly 401k tasks, including reconciling accounts and hosting meetings
• and hosting enrollment meetings
• Perform monthly general-ledger reconciliations
• Provide necessary reports for annual financial audits of the PETA Foundation and its supported organizations
• Perform year-end reconciliations of employee data and supply to various third parties
• Use discretion and knowledge of the accounting and payroll systems to create and distribute specific payroll reports and specific ledger-detail reports
• Train new PETA and PETA Foundation staff members in payroll procedures
• Post journal entries to the general ledger, including biweekly and end-of-month entries for payroll, correcting and adjusting entries
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

• Completion of college-level accounting coursework
• Five years of industry or public accounting experience
• Previous Paylocity or other payroll systems experience
• Previous experience with multi-state payroll tax
• Previous experience with Sage 100 or other accounting software
• Proven Microsoft knowledge and proficiency with Excel required
• Demonstrated self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Excellent attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Proven effective verbal communication skills and demonstrated comfort with speaking in public
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization

The hourly pay range for this position is $20.60 - $25.66 per hour. The ultimate hourly pay within this range that will be offered to a qualified candidate will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and the cost of living in the area in which the candidate will live and work.

A list of benefits available to qualified employees is available here .

Application Deadline

Applications for this position will be accepted until October 10, 2026.

We may fill this job opening before the deadline if we find a qualified candidate.