Payroll Accountant

About this role

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.
What You’ll Own
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

Initial Phone Screen

Spark Hire Intro Video (3–5…