Payroll Accountant

PEOPLE; California; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PEOPLE in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Payroll Accountant to manage payroll for two entities, ensure accuracy of changes, and post payroll data to the General Ledger. The role supports quarterly/annual agency reports and audits while coordinating with HR for allocations and benefits adjustments.

Requirements include 5+ years in payroll (Paylocity preferred) and 3+ years nonprofit GAAP accounting. Strong Excel skills and attention to detail are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience; preferably with Paylocity
• Minimum 3 years of nonprofit GAAP accounting experience
• Experience managing high volume of detailed, confidential work

Responsibilities

• Assist in payroll processing for two entities and verify changes.
• Prepare payroll postings to General Ledger including vacation/sick accruals, SUI, and FICA.
• Prepare and reconcile 941 and EDD reporting; assist with audits.
• Process payments to payroll vendors and reconcile benefit invoices.
• Support annual financial audit prep and year-end close schedules.
• Perform month-end close activities including bank reconciliations.

Skills

Payroll processing

Nonprofit GAAP accounting

High-volume detail work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Excel

Paylocity (preferred)

10-key

Job description

Description

Job Title: Payroll Accountant

Location: San Luis Obispo

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Finance & Accounting

Direct Reports: N/A

Essential Functions

• Assist in payroll processing and administration for 2 separate entities; review timecards, verify employee changes, input employee changes, reconcile accuracy of new employee tax, benefits, or other payroll related data as applicable. Ensure timely submittal of payroll and verify data after submittal.
• Working with departments, confirm and adjust allocations as necessary coordinating changes with Human Resources.
• Prepare payroll for posting in General Ledgers including all accruals for vacation/sick, SUI, and FICA.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for various agencies and management including reconciliation of 941 & all EDD reporting.
• Prepare and ensure timely processing of payments to payroll related vendors including benefit invoice reconciliation and monitoring of changes.
• Manage insurance and payroll related audits including separate workers compensation and pension audits.
• Assist with the preparation of Budget Schedules.
• Assist with the Indirect Cost Proposal – Payroll Schedules.
• Prepare variance analysis of payroll and staffing monthly for departments & properties.
• Assist with the annual financial audit preparation and year-end closing schedules.
• Analyze and reconcile related general ledger account balances creating adjusting journal entries as needed.
• Ensure allowable costs are allocated to federal awards and indirect activity; prepare adjusting journal entries as needed.
• Perform a variety of duties related to the month-end closing of accounting records including bank reconciliations as needed.
• Maintain accurate and current accounting files.
• Actively look for ways to streamline and expedite the payroll and monthly close process.
• Utilize office and software programs and equipment to perform above duties as required by fiscal processes.

Requirements

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience; preferably with Paylocity
• Minimum of 3 years of nonprofit GAAP accounting experience
• Previous experience managing a high volume of detailed, confidential, and repetitive work.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance or related field or 8+ years of experience in finance or related field.
• Skill & Knowledge Requirements
• Skilled at use of 10-key and other general office equipment.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Aptitude for detail and accuracy with numbers.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in-writing.
• Ability to issue internal or external correspondence (letters, memos, email, etc.)

License/Certification Requirements

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and access to a dependable form of transportation.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended period of time, some standing (managing physical files).