Payroll and Benefits Accountant

Sacramento Steps Forward; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k

Paid holidays

accru ed time off

Job summary

Sacramento Steps Forward is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Accountant to manage payroll, timekeeping, and related accounting for a nonprofit in a hybrid office environment. You will ensure accurate wage calculations, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and compliance with federal and state regulations, plus open enrollment and year-end reporting.

Ideal candidate has ADP Workforce Now and QuickBooks Online experience, strong attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with HR, Benefits, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of payroll and benefits accounting processes.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now and QuickBooks Online.
• Nonprofit sector experience preferred.
• Familiar with federal/state/hr payroll laws and IRS regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and deadline-driven.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll workflows to ensure timely processing and accuracy.
• Process semi-monthly payroll transactions.
• Reconcile payroll and validate reports.
• Serve as primary contact with payroll vendor and account representative.
• Prepare Forms W-2 and 1099 and maintain payroll records.
• Maintain Time and Attendance system and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Payroll and benefits accounting

Attention to detail

Education

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent

Tools

QuickBooks

ADP Workforce Now

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Mission, Vision, and Values of Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF) is to resolve homelessness through leadership, convening partners, data-driven best practices, and improving system performance. Our vision is an equitable community where everyone has a safe place to call home. We believe in human-centered, community-inspired solutions, with a focus on equity, transparency, and continuous learning.

Under the direction of the Finance Director, the Payroll and Benefits Accountant is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll, timekeeping, and related accounting functions. The position ensures the accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, benefit and garnishment deductions, and compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. The role supports government reporting, benefits reconciliation, and the preparation of statistical and financial reports. Payroll is processed for both exempt and non-exempt employees.

SSF embraces technology to develop ongoing efficiencies. Currently the office is a hybrid operation. This position will be required to report to the office periodically

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Manages payroll workflows to ensure all payroll transactions are processed and recorded accurately and in a timely manner.
• Processes semi-monthly payroll transactions.
• Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validates payroll reports.
• Serves as the primary contact with the payroll vendor and account representative regarding payroll-related matters.
• Ensures proper tax treatment and processing of wages, employer-paid benefits, garnishments and other payroll-related transactions.
• Monitors and ensures timely filing and payment of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
• Processes quarterly filings with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and other required agencies.
• Calculates and processes employee garnishments in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Obtains and maintains required approvals for non-standard payments, including retroactive pay, stipends, and manual checks.
• Assists with the accurate and timely preparation and distribution of Forms W-2 and 1099.
• Calculates and records accruals related to payroll and non-standard compensation payments.
• Processes manual payroll checks as needed.
• Reviews, updates, and reconciles payroll vendor invoices and statements.
• Serves as the primary contact for payroll, timekeeping, and attendance-related questions and inquiries.
• Provides payroll and timekeeping training to new employees.
• Develops ad hoc financial and operational reports as needed.
• Processes and updates employee wages, hours, tax withholdings, garnishments, retirement contributions, and benefit deductions within the payroll system.
• Performs a secondary review of payroll transactions entered by Human Resources.
• Monitors changes in payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, garnishments, retirement plans, and benefit deductions.
• Prepares and submits required reports and payments to government agencies, insurance carriers, retirement plan administrators, and other applicable organizations.
• Maintains the Time and Attendance system, including employee setup, audits, and termination processing.
• Performs annual 401(k) audit and reporting activities.
• Submits new hires, terminations, and employee changes to the 401(k) provider and updates payroll records accordingly.
• Reconciles benefit invoices to payroll records and coordinates with Human Resources, Benefits, Accounting, vendors, and carriers to resolve discrepancies and facilitate payment processing.
• Supports annual open enrollment activities by updating payroll deductions and ensuring accurate payroll system setup.
• Assists with benefits audits, retirement plan audits, and other compliance-related reporting requirements.
• Maintains payroll, benefits, and retirement plan records in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
• Assists Human Resources with the annual Workers' Compensation audit.
• Maintains confidentiality of employee payroll, benefits, and personnel information.
• Collaborates effectively with employees, management, vendors, and external partners to support payroll, benefits administration, and related operational functions.

Other Duties:

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Ideal candidates will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities and experience:

• Knowledge of accounting processes, specifically related to payroll and benefits.
• Experience with QuickBooks and ADP.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization.
• Basic knowledge of applicable Federal, State HR/Payroll laws and IRS regulations that impact payroll.
• Excellent processing skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated, independent, cooperative, flexible, creative, and responsible.
• Must be detail oriented and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Ability and experience working as a member of a team.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and be extremely flexible to meet customer demands, in addition to being able to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a changing environment with a high degree of accuracy.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Education and/or Experience:

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience using payroll, benefits administration, or accounting systems. Current knowledge and experience with ADP Workforce Now and QuickBooks Online.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation range $32.64 to $42.67; Planned maximum is at the mid-range at hire, depending on qualifications and experience (DOE). This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits; health, dental, and vision, 401k, accrued time off and paid holidays.

The position will be open until filled. Please do not contact Sacramento Steps Forward directly. No phone calls or personal visits will be accommodated without an appointment. Staffing and recruiting agencies, are welcome to respond.

Sacramento Steps Forward is committed to the principles of being an equal opportunity employer in accordance with state and federal law. Sacramento Steps Forward organizational policies, practices, programs, activities and decisions regarding employment are not based on a person’s protected status or class, in accordance with applicable law.

Sacramento Steps Forward will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].