Payroll and Accounting Specialist (Exempt)

Position Summary

The Payroll and Accounting Specialist is an exempt, senior-level individual contributor responsible for independently managing and executing key accounting, payroll, administrative, and financial operations. This role exercises discretion and independent judgment in the analysis, reporting, and reconciliation of employment, financial, and payroll data, as well as in audit preparation and process improvement initiatives.

The position requires advanced technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to identify risks, resolve complex issues, and execute finance and payroll tasks. Work is structured across core functional areas to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and financial integrity.

Department: Finance
Reports To: Controller / Director of Finance
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation Range: $85,000–$100,000 annually
Schedule: Full-time (5 days/week)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Invoicing (Approximately 40% | 2 days per week)

• Own end-to-end invoicing processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance with contractual terms, and timely billing
• Perform complex account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies using professional judgment
• Prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end close activities
• Independently prepare, analyze, and validate recurring financial reports, including revenue, expense, and variance analyses
• Identify trends, risks, and inefficiencies; recommend corrective actions and process improvements
• Maintain internal controls and documentation standards in alignment with audit and compliance requirements

Payroll Operations & Compliance (Approximately 40% | 2 days per week)

• Serve as the primary owner of payroll operations using Paylocity, exercising discretion over payroll validation and controls
• Review and approve payroll inputs, earnings, deductions, and adjustments prior to processing
• Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and resolve variances independently
• Prepare payroll-related financial reports and compliance documentation
• Act as a subject-matter expert for payroll policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance
• Partner with HR leadership to resolve escalated or complex payroll matters

Administrative Leadership & Audit Support (Approximately 20% | 1 day per week)

• Lead audit preparation and coordination efforts, including document review, reconciliations, and auditor responses
• Maintain audit-ready financial and payroll records in accordance with internal and external requirements
• Evaluate existing finance and payroll processes and recommend enhancements for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
• Support internal controls, compliance initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts
• Provide guidance and best practices related to finance administrative processes

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance in this role will be evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following metrics:

Financial Accuracy & Timeliness

• = 99% accuracy rate in financial reporting, invoicing, and payroll reconciliations
• On-time completion of month-end close activities and scheduled financial reports
• Invoices issued accurately and within defined billing timelines

Payroll Integrity & Compliance

• Zero material payroll errors or compliance violations
• Timely and accurate payroll processing each pay period
• Successful completion of payroll audits with minimal findings

Audit & Controls

• Audit readiness maintained at all times
• Timely and complete delivery of audit requests
• Reduction in repeat audit findings year over year

Process Improvement & Ownership

• Identification and implementation of process improvements that reduce errors, cycle time, or manual work
• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve issues and escalate risks appropriately
• Consistent adherence to internal controls and documentation standards

Stakeholder Support & Professional Judgment

• Effective partnership with HR, leadership, and external auditors
• Clear, professional communication of financial and payroll information
• Responsible handling of confidential and sensitive data

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, and payroll operations
• Advanced hands-on experience with Paylocity, including payroll processing, reporting, and audits
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks, including general ledger management and reconciliations
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, financial analysis)
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex processes with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
• Experience with multi-state payroll and/or multi-entity accounting
• Prior responsibility for audit coordination or regulatory compliance
• Experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives

Exempt Role Statement

This position is classified as exempt and requires the consistent exercise of discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance related to finance, payroll, compliance, and reporting.