Accountant III

Payroll Accountant III

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are among the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development, ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Accountant III to join our Payroll Department in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA.

This position is responsible for preparing and reconciling payroll journal entries and general ledger accounts, as well as performing monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll account reconciliations. The Payroll Accountant III ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including the preparation and filing of payroll tax returns and coordination with tax agencies.

In addition, this role supports payroll close activities, audits, reporting, and financial analysis, and serves as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting and payroll tax matters. The position also participates in system enhancements, compliance initiatives, and cross-functional projects to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced in payroll accounting and tax compliance, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers and maintains payroll accounting processes to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, deductions, benefits, taxes, and related payroll transactions.
• Prepares, reviews, and reconciles payroll-related journal entries, general ledger accounts, accruals, and account balances in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and company policies.
• Performs monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of payroll accounts, including wages, taxes, benefits, paid time off liabilities, workers' compensation, garnishments, and other payroll-related liabilities.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including the accurate calculation, withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
• Prepares, reviews, and files payroll tax returns and related reports, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, W-3, state unemployment returns, local tax filings, and other required regulatory submissions.
• Coordinates payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, tax rate updates, and notices with federal, state, and local tax agencies.
• Research analyzes, and resolves payroll tax discrepancies, agency notices, employee tax inquiries, and payroll audit findings.
• Monitors changes in payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and reporting requirements, recommending and implementing process improvements to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Conducts payroll audits and reviews to verify the accuracy and completeness of payroll transactions, tax withholdings, earnings, deductions, and employee records.
• Supports year-end payroll activities, including balancing payroll records, validating taxable wages, preparing annual tax filings, and coordinating W-2 distribution.
• Assists with internal and external audits by providing payroll records, tax documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Develops, documents, and maintains payroll accounting procedures, internal controls, and compliance processes to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.
• Participates in payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Prepares payroll-related financial analyses, forecasts, accrual calculations, and management reports to support budgeting and business planning activities.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on payroll accounting and payroll tax matters, providing guidance and training to payroll staff and other stakeholders.
• Maintains confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensures compliance with applicable privacy, data protection, and record retention requirements.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures, policies, and practices.
• Support acquisitions and other corporate transactions by assessing payroll and payroll tax impacts.
• Assist with multi-state payroll compliance and registration requirements.
• Participate in special projects involving payroll systems, tax compliance, compensation programs, and process automation.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.