Senior Payroll Accountant

Rose Senior Living; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

LCS (Life Care Services) is seeking a Senior Payroll Accountant to independently manage payroll for our managed communities from its Des Moines area operations. You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and act as a subject matter expert on payroll, taxes, garnishments, benefits, and system functionality.

You will review payroll data, assist with client billing and reporting, and mentor Payroll Accountants while identifying process improvements and leading payroll

Qualifications

• 4–6 years payroll experience in a complex multi-state organization.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax reporting.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and 10-key.

Responsibilities

• Process and review bi-weekly retirement community payrolls with accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as subject matter expert for payroll, taxation, garnishments, benefits, and system functionality.
• Validate payroll transactions, data changes, and wage garnishments in Oracle.
• Maintain payroll tax accounts and records across federal, state, and local levels.
• Reconcile tax accounts with Compliance team and support W-2 processing.
• Research, analyze, and resolve complex payroll, tax, and accounting issues.
• Perform payroll account reconciliations to the general ledger and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare complex payroll reports for management, clients, auditors, and stakeholders.
• Support client billing information related to payroll and benefits.
• Provide training and day-to-day guidance to Payroll Accountants.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, testing, and special projects.
• Serve as backup for Payroll Manager functions as assigned.

Skills

Payroll compliance

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent leadership

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree

FPC/CPP certification

Tools

Oracle HCM Cloud

Job description

The Senior Payroll Accountant is responsible for independently processing payroll for LCS managed communities while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position supports complex payroll matters, performs reconciliations, assists with client billing and reporting, and serves as a mentor and trainer for Payroll Accountants. The Senior Payroll Accountant also identifies process improvement opportunities and partners with internal departments to ensure accurate and efficient payroll administration.

Experience is Everything.

At LCS, experience is everything. We provide you the opportunity to use your talents in a progressive, growing organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. If you are seeking an organization that gives back, you’ll love working here. Our principles and hospitality promises define our company culture. LCS employees can be found participating in volunteer activities, getting involved in our committees or collaborating with team members in our innovative workspace. You’ll find several opportunities to grow as a professional, serve the community, and enhance the lives of seniors.

What You’ll Do:

• Process and review bi-weekly retirement community payrolls, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll, taxation, garnishments, benefits, earnings, deductions, PTO plans, and payroll system functionality.
• Review and validate payroll transactions, employee data changes, taxation updates, compensation changes, deductions, benefits, and wage garnishments within Oracle.
• Maintain and oversee federal, state, and local payroll tax accounts and records.
• Partner with the Compliance team to reconcile tax accounts, resolve discrepancies, review annual tax filings, and support W-2 processing.
• Research, analyze, and resolve complex payroll, tax, and accounting issues.
• Perform and review payroll account reconciliations to the general ledger and investigate reconciling items.
• Analyze payroll-related financial data and prepare complex payroll reports for management, clients, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain employee assignment costing and review payroll allocation reports used for client invoicing.
• Assist with and review client billing information related to payroll and benefit expenses.
• Serve as a primary contact for escalated payroll inquiries from employees, community clients, and internal business partners.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, payroll regulations, and client-specific requirements.
• Assist with payroll audits, internal controls, and compliance reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, procedures, controls, and reporting capabilities.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and training materials.
• Provide training, guidance, and day-to-day support to Payroll Accountants and other payroll team members.
• Participate in payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and special projects.
• Serve as backup support for Payroll Manager functions as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4-6 years of payroll experience in a complex multi-state organization.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax reporting requirements, and payroll compliance practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and 10-key.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, auditing concepts, and process documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to research and resolve complex payroll issues.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with sensitive employee and financial information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead initiatives.

Preferred:

• Associate's degree.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience with Oracle HCM Cloud or similar enterprise payroll systems preferred.

Why Join Us?

Industry Leader.

Inclusive & collaborative culture.

Top Workplace USA.

Top Workplace Iowa.

Charity and community involvement.

Outstanding advancement opportunities.

Ongoing career development.

Benefits

Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(K) with company match and paid parental leave.

Our Commitment

LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You’ll see this commitment in our people. They’re talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed—strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long-term growth and value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: https://www.lcsliving.com

Additional Information

Travel frequency: 0-10%

Estimated Salary: $58,000 - $72,000

The actual title & salary will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

A POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING REFERENCES IS REQUIRED.

LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.