Payroll Accountant

Payroll Accountant – Remote

Payroll | Accounting | U.S. Payroll Compliance | Financial Operations

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote Working Hours: Flexible, aligned with U.S. Client Business Hours

About the Role

At Pavago, one of our clients is hiring a Payroll Accountant to manage end-to-end payroll operations while ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with U.S. payroll regulations.

This is a highly detail-oriented role that combines payroll processing, accounting, tax compliance, reconciliations, and financial reporting. You'll be responsible for maintaining accurate payroll records, integrating payroll with accounting systems, resolving discrepancies, and supporting audits while ensuring compliance across all payroll processes.

The ideal candidate has strong payroll expertise, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage confidential information with accuracy and professionalism.

Payroll Processing

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls for organizations ranging from 50–500 employees.
• Validate employee time entries, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions prior to payroll processing.
• Administer payroll using platforms such as ADP, Paychex, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, or similar systems.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and delivered on schedule.

Accounting & Reconciliations

• Record payroll journal entries within accounting systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero.
• Reconcile payroll clearing accounts and payroll-related bank transactions.
• Record employer contributions, benefit deductions, and payroll liabilities accurately.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly.

Payroll Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and submit federal, state, and local payroll tax payments.
• File payroll tax forms including 941, W-2, 1099, and applicable state filings.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax laws and labor regulations.
• Ensure payroll processes remain compliant and audit-ready.

Benefits Administration

• Reconcile healthcare, retirement, and employee benefit contributions.
• Verify employee deductions align with benefit elections.
• Coordinate with benefit providers regarding payroll-related discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate payroll deduction records.

Employee Payroll Support

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries regarding paychecks, direct deposits, tax withholding, and payroll documentation.
• Support payroll setup for new hires and employee updates.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling employee information.

Reporting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare recurring payroll, headcount, and labor cost reports.
• Support audits with organized payroll documentation.
• Perform payroll variance analysis against budgets and forecasts.
• Provide payroll insights to finance and HR leadership.

Process Improvement

• Improve payroll workflows using Excel automation, payroll integrations, or APIs.
• Develop and maintain payroll SOPs and documentation.
• Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency and reduce errors.

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

Experience

• 2+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Hands-on experience using at least one payroll platform such as ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, or BambooHR.
• Experience supporting payroll accounting and reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of U.S. payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.

Technical Skills

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliations).
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and confidentiality.

Nice-to-Have

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Multi-state or international payroll experience.
• Experience reconciling payroll with accounting systems.
• Familiarity with HRIS integrations including BambooHR, Zenefits, or Workday.
• Experience supporting audits and compliance reviews.

Tools & Platforms

• ADP
• Paychex
• Gusto
• QuickBooks Payroll
• BambooHR
• QuickBooks
• NetSuite
• Xero
• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets

What Makes You a Strong Fit

• Highly detail-oriented with exceptional numerical accuracy.
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance and accounting processes.
• Able to troubleshoot discrepancies under tight deadlines.
• Professional and discreet when handling confidential information.
• Organized with strong documentation habits.
• Proactive in identifying process improvements and ensuring compliance.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

• Review employee timecards and payroll changes.
• Process payroll and verify payroll accuracy.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and journal entries.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries.
• File payroll tax payments and maintain compliance.
• Reconcile employee benefit deductions.
• Prepare payroll reports and financial summaries.
• Update payroll documentation and SOPs.

In short: You ensure payroll is processed accurately, accounting records remain balanced, employees are paid on time, and payroll operations stay compliant with all applicable regulations.

Key Metrics for Success (KPIs)

• 100% on-time payroll processing
• Payroll error rate below 1%
• Timely payroll tax filings
• Payroll discrepancies resolved within two business days
• Accuracy of payroll reconciliations and journal entries
• Audit readiness and compliance standards maintained

Why This Role Stands Out

• Fully remote opportunity supporting U.S.-based organizations.
• High-impact role within finance and accounting operations.
• Exposure to payroll, tax compliance, HR, and financial reporting.
• Opportunity to improve payroll systems and operational efficiency.
• Career growth into Senior Payroll Accountant, Payroll Manager, or Accounting leadership roles.

Interview Process

1. Initial Phone Screen
2. Spark Hire Intro Video (3–5 minutes)
3. Practical Assessment (Payroll Reconciliation & Discrepancy Resolution)
4. Client Interview
5. Offer & Background Verification

What Happens After You Apply

Right after you apply, you'll receive an email invitation from Spark Hire to record your Intro Video . This short, self-recorded video is the next step that completes