Payroll Tax Accountant

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics seeks a Payroll Accountant III to join the Payroll Department in San Diego, CA. You will prepare and reconcile payroll journal entries, maintain GL accounts, and ensure federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance.

The role supports year-end activities, audits, and system improvements, requiring accuracy, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline with six+ years of progressive accounting experience with a bachelor’s, or four+ years with a master’s.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, CAS, and FAR.
• Experience with SAP, SuccessFactors, and multi-state tax agency systems; strong MS Excel/Word skills.

Responsibilities

• Administers payroll accounting processes: compensation, deductions, taxes, and related transactions.
• Prepares and reconciles payroll journal entries and general ledger accounts.
• Performs monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll account reconciliations.
• Ensures compliance with federal/state/local payroll tax regulations and filings.
• Supports year-end payroll activities, audits, and reporting.
• Assists with payroll system implementations and process improvements.

Skills

Payroll accounting

GAAP

Tax compliance

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or master's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

Excel

Word

Multi-state tax systems

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are among the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development, ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are among the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development, ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Accountant III to join our Payroll Department in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA.

This position is responsible for preparing and reconciling payroll journal entries and general ledger accounts, as well as performing monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll account reconciliations. The Payroll Accountant III ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including the preparation and filing of payroll tax returns and coordination with tax agencies.

In addition, this role supports payroll close activities, audits, reporting, and financial analysis, and serves as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting and payroll tax matters. The position also participates in system enhancements, compliance initiatives, and cross-functional projects to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced in payroll accounting and tax compliance, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers and maintains payroll accounting processes to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, taxes, and related payroll transactions.
• Prepares, reviews, and reconciles payroll-related journal entries, general ledger accounts, accruals, and account balances in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and company policies.
• Performs monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of payroll accounts, including wages, taxes, benefits, paid time off liabilities, workers' compensation, garnishments, and other payroll-related liabilities.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including the accurate calculation, withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
• Prepares, reviews, and files payroll tax returns and related reports, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, W-3, state unemployment returns, local tax filings, and other required regulatory submissions.
• Coordinates payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, tax rate updates, and notices with federal, state, and local tax agencies.
• Research analyzes, and resolves payroll tax discrepancies, agency notices, employee tax inquiries, and payroll audit findings.
• Monitors changes in payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and reporting requirements, recommending and implementing process improvements to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Conducts payroll audits and reviews to verify the accuracy and completeness of payroll transactions, tax withholdings, earnings, deductions, and employee records.
• Supports year-end payroll activities, including balancing payroll records, validating taxable wages, preparing annual tax filings, and coordinating W-2 distribution.
• Assists with internal and external audits by providing payroll records, tax documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Develops, documents, and maintains payroll accounting procedures, internal controls, and compliance processes to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.
• Participates in payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Prepares payroll-related financial analyses, forecasts, accrual calculations, and management reports to support budgeting and business planning activities.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting and payroll tax matters, providing guidance and training to payroll staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintains confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensures compliance with applicable privacy, data protection, and record retention requirements.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures, policies, and practices.
• Support acquisitions and other corporate transactions by assessing payroll and payroll tax impacts.
• Assist with multi-state payroll compliance and registration requirements.
• Participate in special projects involving payroll systems, tax compliance, compensation programs, and process automation.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Job Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, along with six or more years of progressive accounting experience with a bachelor’s degree, or four or more years of experience with a master’s degree. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of accounting theories, concepts, and principles, as well as a thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Preferred experience includes working knowledge of SAP, SuccessFactors, and multi-state tax agency systems, as well as strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and a demonstrated willingness to learn new systems.
• Possesses strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments to meet deadlines and project milestones.
• Maintains a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence and customer service.
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues, interpret data, and develop effective solutions to complex problems.
• Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills to document, report, and present findings clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with employees at all levels, including management and senior external stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to the development and implementation of new processes and systems, and communicate new concepts effectively.
• Ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource on external projects and represent the company professionally.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrates a proactive, team-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Ability to work extended hours as required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 73,700 - 128,780