Client Accounting Associate (Payroll)

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Flexible Work Schedules

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability

401(k) Retirement Plan

Professional Development & Training

Tuition Reimbursement

Volunteer Time & Community Involvement

Job summary

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Associate to join our Client Accounting Services team in Rapid City, SD and other office locations. You will manage payroll processes for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and high-quality client service in a public accounting environment.

Responsibilities include processing payroll, verifying timekeeping, calculating earnings, and preparing year-end documentation while maintaining accuracy and deadlines across various

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years experience processing payroll.
• Working knowledge with payroll systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Office (Excel).

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Collect and verify employee timekeeping and payroll-related information.
• Calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, and other earnings.
• Ensure accurate payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, and other withholdings.
• Prepare payroll reports, filings, and year-end documentation (W-2s, 1099s).
• Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Assist clients with payroll compliance, including federal, state, and local regulations.
• Communicate with clients to address payroll-related questions and provide support.
• Identify and resolve payroll and accounting issues while maintaining high-quality standards.

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Payroll systems

Accounting software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

All Jobs > Client Accounting Associate (Payroll)

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP (KT) is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Associate to join our Client Accounting Services team in any one of our Rapid City, SD, Spearfish, SD, Casper, WY, and Gillette, WY office locations.

In this role, you will support multiple client organizations by managing payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and providing high-quality client service in a public accounting environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Process payroll for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Collect and verify employee timekeeping and payroll-related information
• Calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, and other earnings
• Ensure accurate payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, and other withholdings
• Prepare payroll reports, filings, and year-end documentation (e.g., W-2s, 1099s)
• Reconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
• Assist clients with payroll compliance, including federal, state, and local regulations
• Communicate with clients to address payroll-related questions and provide support
• Identify and resolve payroll and accounting issues while maintaining high-quality standards

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2 years experience processing payroll
• Working knowledge with payroll systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Office (particularly Excel)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with multiple clients or in a service-based environment
• Knowledge of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Additional Information

Work Schedule & Location:

• Full-time position
• Standard schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday
• Additional hours may be required during peak periods
• Based in any one of our Rapid City, SD, Spearfish, SD, Casper, WY, and Gillette, WY office locations.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Featured Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Financial Wellness Resources
• Professional Development and Training
• Certification Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Volunteer Time and Community Involvement Opportunities

Company Info

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP is a full-service accounting and consulting firm established in 1936. With offices across South Dakota and Wyoming, and a team with over 25 partners and 50+ CPAs, KT serves a diverse client base across a wide range of industries—from closely held businesses to complex organizations in agriculture, construction, hospitality, nonprofit, government, and beyond.

We’re more than a traditional accounting firm—we’re a team that values relationships, innovation, and impact. At KT, you’ll find a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your ideas are welcomed, your contributions matter, and your career can evolve alongside the clients and communities we serve.