Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Buckner HeavyLift Cranes; Graham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckner HeavyLift Cranes in Graham, NC, seeks an Accounting/Payroll professional to support core accounting, payroll, benefits, and tax compliance. You will work with Finance, HR, and operations to ensure GAAP-compliant reporting and accurate payroll processing.

Responsibilities include managing weekly payroll, payroll tax filings, tax research, and month-end close support, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of accounting/finance experience.
• Multi-state sales and use tax experience.
• Minimum of 2 years hands-on payroll processing experience.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll accurately and on time.
• Audit timekeeping data and payroll reports for discrepancies.
• Prepare payroll tax filings and coordinate with third-party providers.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and support month-end close.
• Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual sales/use tax returns.
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with policies and legal requirements.
• Support HR with ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and ERISA documentation as needed.

Skills

Payroll processing

GAAP reporting

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Buckner HeavyLift Crane’s mission is to provide safe, logical & experienced solutions to complex and demanding projects within the heavy lift crane rental industry. Founded over 75 years ago in 1947, Buckner is driven by a commitment to innovation, a safety-first culture, and a determination to set the standard in the heavy lift industry. By investing in advanced equipment, forward-thinking solutions, and continuous training, Buckner empowers its team to execute complex projects with precision and confidence. Safety is embedded in every aspect of operations, ensuring that every lift is performed with the highest level of care and accountability. This dedication, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, positions Buckner as a leader that not only meets industry expectations—but defines them.

Summary

Reporting to the Controller, this role is responsible for supporting core accounting, payroll, benefits, and tax compliance functions to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The position oversees daily, weekly, and monthly accounting activities in accordance with GAAP; manages payroll processing and employee benefits administration; prepares and files sales and use tax returns across applicable jurisdictions; and administers the company credit card program, including reconciliations and expense policy compliance.

This role partners cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Payroll, and operational leaders to reconcile accounts, audit transactions, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and provide reporting and documentation to internal and external stakeholders. The responsibilities will evolve based on business needs, requiring a detail-oriented, analytical professional who is comfortable working with systems, managing sensitive information, and improving processes in a dynamic environment.

• Process weekly payroll accurately and on time
• Audit timekeeping data and payroll reports for discrepancies
• Calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with company policies and legal requirements
• Prepare payroll tax filings and coordinate with third-party payroll providers
• Reconcile payroll accounts and support month-end close
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Work with HR to properly manage premium deductions for new hire enrollments, life event changes, and open enrollment processes
• Reconcile benefits invoices and ensure accurate deductions
• Assist with annual benefits renewal, including system testing and payroll premium structure
• Support HR with compliance requirements including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and ERISA documentation as needed
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and benefits regulations
• Maintain accurate employee records and documentation
• Support audits (internal, external, workers’ comp, 401(k), etc.)
• Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and use tax returns across applicable states and jurisdictions
• Monitor sales and use tax filing deadlines and ensure timely, accurate remittance
• Reconcile sales and use tax general ledger accounts
• Maintain and validate resale and exemption certificates
• Research the taxability of products, services, and equipment rentals by jurisdiction
• Track nexus and registration requirements as the company’s footprint changes
• Respond to state and local tax notices and support related audits
• Stay current on changing state and local sales and use tax rates and regulations

Credit Card & Expense Management

• Administer the corporate credit card program, including card issuance, limit changes, and deactivations
• Perform monthly credit card reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
• Review employee expense reports and receipts for policy compliance
• Manage the company’s travel and expense program in accordance with policy
• Investigate and resolve disputed or fraudulent charges with the card provider
• Maintain cardholder records and prepare monthly credit card spend reporting for management

Month-End & Reporting

• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Prepare financial reports and variance analysis
• Analyze and reconcile GL accounts for month end close
• Support budget tracking and forecasting efforts
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies

General Accounting & Standard Operating Procedures

• Prepare and post journal entries
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts
• Review AP batches and ensure proper coding
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations
• Assist with fixed asset tracking and depreciation schedules
• Support accruals and prepaid expense schedules
• Maintain files and documentation thoroughly and accurately, in accordance with company policy and accepted accounting practices
• Assist in making process improvements or accounting changes
• Assist with external audits and tax preparation
• Ensure proper record retention and documentation
• Ongoing support for various internal and external customers
• Assist with other projects and ad hoc requests, as needed
• Thorough knowledge of accounting, payroll, and tax procedures
• Focus on details, thoroughness and accuracy
• Confidentiality and professional judgment
• Spoken and written communication skills
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills
• Deadline-oriented and able to efficiently manage timelines

Education and Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of accounting/finance experience
• Multi-state sales and use tax experience
• Minimum of 2 years hands-on payroll processing experience
• Multi-state payroll and payroll tax compliance
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products with intermediate Excel skills