Senior Payroll General Leder Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Payroll General Ledger Accountant
Job Description

The Senior Payroll General Ledger Accountant is responsible for managing all payroll-related general ledger accounting activities and ensuring the accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of payroll transactions. This role prepares and posts payroll journal entries, oversees payroll-related month-end close activities, and maintains close checklists to meet strict reporting deadlines. The position performs detailed reconciliations of payroll-related balance sheet accounts, investigates and resolves complex discrepancies between payroll records, bank activity, and the general ledger, and provides clear variance analysis. The Senior Payroll GL Accountant develops deep expertise in payroll systems and accounting rules, identifies opportunities to improve reporting and reconciliation processes, partners closely with HR and Payroll teams to enhance procedures, ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal accounting policies, and supports internal and external audits with thorough documentation and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and post accurate payroll journal entries to the general ledger on a regular basis.
• Manage payroll-related month-end close activities, including maintaining and updating close checklists to meet reporting deadlines.
• Perform reconciliations for payroll-related balance sheet accounts such as wages, taxes, benefits, and deductions.
• Investigate and resolve complex discrepancies between payroll records, bank activity, and the general ledger in a timely manner.
• Provide detailed variance analysis and clear explanations for account fluctuations related to payroll activities.
• Develop and maintain strong expertise in payroll systems, payroll processes, and relevant accounting rules.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll reporting, reconciliation processes, and overall efficiency within the accounting function.
• Collaborate closely with HR and Payroll teams to streamline processes, enhance data accuracy, and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Ensure all payroll-related accounting activities comply with U.S. GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll-related documentation, schedules, and analytical reports.
• Utilize large-scale ERP systems to record, track, and analyze payroll transactions and balances.
• Create and use Excel pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions to analyze payroll data and support reconciliations and variance analysis.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience reconciling payroll accounts.
• At least 5 years of experience recording journal entries tied to payroll.
• At least 5 years of variance analysis experience explaining payroll-related account fluctuations.
• Strong experience performing payroll reconciliations for wages, taxes, benefits, and deductions.
• Proven ability to prepare and post payroll journal entries accurately and efficiently.
• Proficiency in variance analysis, including identifying root causes and communicating findings clearly.
• Ability to create and use pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions in Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
• Proficiency working within a large-scale ERP system for payroll and general ledger accounting.
• Solid understanding of general ledger accounting principles and U.S. GAAP as they relate to payroll.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail when reviewing payroll data and account reconciliations.

• Experience with Vantagepoint ERP is a plus.
• Background in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry is beneficial.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits with payroll-related documentation and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with HR and Payroll teams to improve processes.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and participation in training and professional organizations.

This position offers a mostly remote work environment, with occasional in-office presence on an as-needed basis, typically around one to two times per month. The role involves regular use of large-scale ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions, to manage and analyze payroll and general ledger data. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Team members have access to a tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan, competitive paid-time-off accrual, and tuition reimbursement for continued education. There is a strong commitment to professional development, with access to internal and external training programs and support for active participation in professional organizations. Eligible positions may also receive incentive compensation, contributing to an engaging and supportive work culture focused on growth and well-being.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mechanicsburg, PA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $43.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Mechanicsburg,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.