Job Description
Title: Senior Accountant – Compensation and Benefits
Supervisor: Controller
Department: Accounting
FLSA Status: Salary Exempt
Position Summary:
As a Senior Accountant with a focus on compensation and benefits, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of payroll processing, benefits administration, and related financial reporting. The ideal candidate will combine strong accounting skills with expertise in compensation structures and benefits programs.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Compensation and Payroll Management:
- Oversee the full payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely processing for all employees
- Manage and reconcile all payroll-related general ledger accounts
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws
- Prepare and file payroll tax returns and manage payroll tax payments
- Conduct payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Assist in developing and implementing compensation strategies and structures
2. Benefits Administration:
- Oversee the financial aspects of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other fringe benefits
- Reconcile benefit invoices and manage related general ledger accounts
- Assist in annual benefits renewals and open enrollment processes
- Analyze benefits costs and utilization to provide recommendations for cost-effective solutions
3. Financial Reporting and Analysis:
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports related to compensation and benefits
- Conduct variance analyses and investigate discrepancies
- Assist in the preparation of the annual budget for payroll and benefits
- Provide analytical support for labor cost projections and workforce planning
4. Process Improvement and Compliance:
- Identify and implement process improvements in payroll and benefits administration
- Stay current with changes in relevant laws and regulations, ensuring ongoing compliance
- Collaborate with HR and other departments to streamline processes and enhance data integrity
- Assist in internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting, with at least 3 years focusing on payroll and benefits
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, payroll accounting, and benefits administration
- Experience with payroll and accounting systems (e.g., ADP, QuickBooks)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA preferred)
Skills and Competencies:
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization
- Commitment to confidentiality and handling of sensitive information
Work Schedule:
This is a full-time position, typically Monday through Friday. Some flexibility may be required during peak periods such as year-end closing and benefits open enrollment.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but will act as a mentor to other junior accounting staff.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Travel
No travel is expected for this position.