Payroll Accountant- Concord, CA (On-Site)

Payroll Accountant

Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNorCal) is seeking a Payroll Accountant in our Concord Administrative Office in Concord, CA. This role is full-time, 40 hours per week. Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNorCal) offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical insurance for employees, 75% coverage for dependent children, 25% coverage for spouses/domestic partners, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and long-term disability coverage, earned time off (ETO) accrued based on hours worked, paid sick time accrued based on hours worked, a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match after 12 months, and 10 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays each year.

Work Schedule

Monday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Summary

Responsible for processing payroll using the payroll system and related time and attendance systems as part of a two-person Payroll function. This role shares full responsibility for accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll-related accounting, reporting, auditing, and system maintenance.

This position partners closely with Human Resources and Accounting to ensure compliance, data integrity, and efficient payroll operations. Both Payroll Accountants operate at the same level, sharing ownership of all payroll processes and providing cross-coverage to ensure continuity of operations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Share full responsibility for end-to-end payroll processing, including compiling payroll data from timesheets, leave forms, Change of Status (COS) forms, and other records. Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing using the payroll system.

Review payroll for accuracy, validate data integrity, and ensure compliance with company policy and applicable laws. Prepare and issue manual checks as needed and maintain payroll records.

Maintain and update employee payroll records, including changes related to pay, benefits, deductions, and tax elections.

Partner in the preparation of payroll-related journal entries and support financial close activities, including integration with the accounting software system.

Develop, prepare, and analyze recurring and ad hoc payroll reports, including labor distribution, wage analysis, and accrual tracking.

Ensure compliance with company policies and federal, state, and local payroll regulations; remain current on regulatory changes impacting payroll.

Collaborate on payroll-related audits, including Workers' Compensation and 403(b) audits, and support external audit requests.

Perform balance sheet reconciliations for payroll-related accounts.

Communicate payroll processes and requirements to employees and leaders, including timesheet submission, payroll forms, and pay calculations.

Maintain accurate tracking of earned time off accruals and non-taxable wages.

Process benefit-related payroll remittances, including 403(b), FSA, and HSA.

Partner with HR to resolve complex or non-standard payroll matters, including leave of absence, salary adjustments, and compliance-related issues.

Respond to internal and external payroll inquiries, including garnishments, child support, and employment verifications.

Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and complex payroll events, escalating as appropriate.

Prepare required internal and external reporting related to earnings, taxes, and deductions.

Support the development and continuous improvement of payroll processes, policies, and procedures.

Provide cross-coverage within the payroll function to ensure continuity of operations.

Actively support and participate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in accounting from a four-year college or university; or five years hands on payroll processing experience, preferably using ADP's Workforce Now product.

or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum three years of hands-on payroll accounting duties and responsibilities, preferably in a large or mid-size company (over 300 employees).

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, policies, and procedures. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, governmental agencies, and the public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of payroll processing systems, preferably ADP, accounting, spreadsheet, and word processing software.

Other Skills, Abilities And Qualifications

Solid understanding of payroll administration including general ledger accounting and up to date federal and state payroll tax laws and regulations.

Knowledge of accounting theory, principles, and practices.

Ability to prepare reports using ADP ReportWriter and Excel.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to research answers, seek solutions, and follow through on complex tasks.

Ability to establish and maintain databases and keep complex records and files.

Ability to prioritize work and to manage shifting and multiple projects and priorities in a fast paced, growth environment.

Ability to work under pressure and successfully meet deadlines to work whatever hours are necessary to ensure processing of payroll and associated reports within established internal and external timelines and to meet deadlines and achieve departmental goals.

Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities and deal with each person in an effective and professional manner.

Strong communication (verbal and written), decision-making and time management and customer service skills.

Ability to sit and concentrate for extended periods of time.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Acceptance and application of the confidential nature of the position.

Flexible, creative, highly organized, and thorough in the completion of tasks.

Ability to develop and maintain written payroll processing policies and procedures.

Type professionally and accurately.

Commitment to quality health care.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear and climb stairs. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay Range: Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNorCal) supports California's new law (SB 1162) enhancing pay transparency. This new law requires employers with 15 or more employees to include a pay range in job postings. The pay range reflects the compensation that a new employee can expect to receive if offered employment. Employees with more experience, education, and other qualifying factors may be compensated at a higher rate of pay. The pay range for this position is: $70,600 - $