Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant – Payroll AccountingAbout the Role

We are seeking a detail-driven and experienced Senior Accountant – Payroll Accounting to join our team. In this high-impact role, you will own key aspects of payroll accounting and financial reporting in a large, complex environment. You’ll work cross-functionally with Payroll, HR, and Finance to ensure accurate reporting, maintain compliance, and continuously improve processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with data, and wants to play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of payroll-related financials.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and post accurate payroll-related journal entries to the general ledger

• Perform detailed reconciliations of payroll accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, accruals)

• Manage month-end and year-end close activities, including accruals and supporting schedules

• Review payroll tax filings and support year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s)

• Analyze payroll transactions, trends, and variances; investigate and resolve discrepancies

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, payroll tax regulations, and internal policies

• Partner with HR, Payroll, and other teams to resolve issues and improve processes

• Prepare reports and reconciliations that support financial reporting and decision-making

• Assist with audits (internal, external, and regulatory) by providing documentation and insights

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and system enhancements

• Stay up to date on accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting payroll

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

• 5–7 years of payroll accounting or related experience

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and payroll accounting principles

• In-depth understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance

• Experience in a large or multi-state payroll environment (highly valued)

• Proficiency with payroll platforms (UKG, ADP, Workday, or similar)

• Advanced Excel skills (data analysis, reconciliations, reporting)

• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail

• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Nice to Have

• Experience with payroll process improvements or automation initiatives

• Knowledge of internal controls related to payroll and financial reporting

• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert for payroll accounting processes

• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume payroll environment

Why Join Us

• Make an impact: Play a key role in ensuring accurate payroll financials for a large organization

• Collaborative environment: Work closely with Finance, HR, Payroll, and leadership

• Growth opportunities: Get exposure to system improvements, automation, and process optimization

• Dynamic work: Engage in meaningful, analytical work that drives business decisions

Work Environment

This is an office-based role with regular collaboration across departments and interaction with auditors and stakeholders. You’ll work extensively with accounting systems, payroll platforms, and Excel in a professional, detail-oriented environment.

While standard business hours apply, additional time may be required during peak periods such as month-end, year-end, and audit cycles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $52.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.