Payroll Analyst

Crain Buick GMC of Springdale; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Crain Buick GMC of Springdale is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Analyst to support payroll accounting operations and ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. The role emphasizes reconciliations, journal entries, reporting, and process improvement with strong Excel skills.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in payroll accounting, advanced Excel, and a CPA is strongly preferred. This full-time position offers growth into broader financial reporting responsibilities and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in payroll accounting, payroll analysis, or a related accounting role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis, and large datasets).
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, payroll taxes, and related compliance requirements.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Perform payroll accounting functions, including payroll journal entries, accruals, and general ledger reconciliations
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, deductions) on a regular basis
• Prepare and analyze payroll reports for management, accounting, and audit purposes
• Ensure payroll transactions comply with federal, state, and local regulations
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Payroll teams to resolve discrepancies and support audits
• Maintain and improve payroll-related spreadsheets, models, and reports using advanced Excel formulas
• Support weekly, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes related to payroll
• Assist with payroll system enhancements, testing, and process documentation
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased accuracy
• Opportunity for role to evolve into more financial reporting responsibilities

Skills

Payroll accounting

Advanced Excel

CPA designation

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analyticalPayroll Analystto support payroll accounting operations and ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. This role will play a key part in payroll reconciliations, journal entries, reporting, and process improvement. The ideal candidate has strong accounting fundamentals, advanced Excel skills, and experience working with payroll data. CPA designation is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Perform payroll accounting functions, including payroll journal entries, accruals, and general ledger reconciliations

Reconcile payroll-related accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, deductions) on a regular basis

Prepare and analyze payroll reports for management, accounting, and audit purposes

Ensure payroll transactions comply with federal, state, and local regulations

Partner with HR, Finance, and Payroll teams to resolve discrepancies and support audits

Maintain and improve payroll-related spreadsheets, models, and reports using advanced Excel formulas

Support weekly, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes related to payroll

Assist with payroll system enhancements, testing, and process documentation

Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased accuracy

Opportunity for role to evolve into more financial reporting responsibilities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in payroll accounting, payroll analysis, or a related accounting role
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis, and large datasets)
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, payroll taxes, and related compliance requirements
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Schedule: Monday through Friday / 40 hours per week