SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST / STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (Hybrid)
$80,000–$85,000
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Senior Payroll Specialist / Staff Accountant to join a growing finance team. This hybrid role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys owning full-cycle payroll while also supporting core accounting, reporting, and month-end close activities.
This position plays a key role in ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing while also contributing to financial reporting, reconciliations, and process improvements. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-focused, and enjoys collaborating with HR and finance leadership to strengthen processes and controls.
This role offers strong long-term growth potential into an Accounting Manager or payroll/accounting leadership position based on performance.
SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES:- Manage full-cycle, multi-state payroll on a weekly/bi-weekly basis
- Ensure accurate processing of wages, bonuses, commissions, benefits deductions, and taxes
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
- Reconcile payroll reports, tax filings, and benefits deductions to the general ledger
- Process payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, and garnishments
- Review payroll data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies
- Partner with HR and Benefits to ensure accurate employee records
- Manage payroll tax filings, W-2s, and year-end reporting requirements
- Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner
- Support payroll system maintenance and reporting enhancements
- Support month-end, quarterly, and annual close processes
- Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
- Maintain general ledger accuracy and investigate variances
- Assist with financial reporting and internal management reports
- Reconcile payroll-related accounts (liabilities, taxes, benefits, etc.)
- Support internal and external audits, including documentation requests
- Identify and help implement process improvements and internal controls
- Collaborate with finance leadership on special projects and initiatives
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5+ years of progressive payroll and/or accounting experience
- Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles
- Experience with multi-state payroll processing
- Knowledge of payroll tax compliance requirements
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/payroll systems
- Experience with ADP, Paycom, UKG, or similar systems preferred
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential data
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills