Manager, Corporate Accounting

Pilot Flying J; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Flying J is seeking an experienced Payroll Accounting Manager in Knoxville, TN. This role involves overseeing the payroll accounting function, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with GAAP standards. Candidates should have at least 8 years of payroll experience and a strong background in accounting regulations.

The company values a diverse workforce and encourages military candidates to apply.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship, and local presence in Knoxville or surrounding communities is required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of payroll or payroll accounting experience, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax requirements.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll accounting function, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Manage month-end and year-end close activities related to payroll.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency in payroll accounting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Payroll regulations

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Tools

Payroll systems (e.g., UKG, ADP, Workday)

Advanced Excel skills

Job description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

• Oversee, lead, and set priorities for the payroll accounting function on the corporate accounting team.
• Select, manage, and mentor a team of accountants, providing coaching, development, and performance management.
• Manage month‑end and year‑end close activities related to payroll.
• Evaluate and make appropriate improvements to internal payroll accounting processes ensuring that practices align with overall company goals.
• Oversee preparation and review of payroll journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Review and approve reconciliations and management reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Ensure accurate recording of wages, taxes, benefits, and payroll‑related accruals.
• Support the preparation of external financial reporting, including footnotes and disclosures.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements to increase efficiency and accuracy in payroll accounting operations.
• Monitor compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and internal controls.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting policies and best practices.
• Stay current on accounting standards and assess the impact of new regulations on payroll accounting.
• Support audits (internal, external, and regulatory) by providing documentation and explanations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years of payroll or payroll accounting experience, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, payroll regulations, and payroll tax requirements.
• Experience with payroll systems (e.g., UKG, ADP, Workday) and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage deadlines, and drive process improvements.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in multi‑state or multi‑entity payroll environments.
• Background in large, complex organizations or shared services.
• Experience with system implementations or major process redesigns.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar certification is a plus.

Additional Information

We are seeking applicants with a local presence in Knoxville, TN or the surrounding communities.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. To be considered you must have the legal right to work in United States without additional sponsorship.