Robert Half is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Accountant to join a company in San Luis Obispo. As a key member of the Accounting department, you will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining financial records, and assisting with various accounting tasks. This will be a temporary / contract to hire opportunity.
Responsibilities:
- Overall responsibility for ensuring timely monthly reporting is maintained.
- Prepares monthly recurring journal entries following the journal entry checklist.
- Prepares reconciliations and adjustments promptly, submitting them to the Finance department.
- Delivers fringe reports and other necessary reports to the Finance Department on a monthly, quarterly, and as-needed basis.
- Reconciles all tax liability accounts accurately.
- Conducts reconciliations for all general ledger withholding accounts, including garnishments, life, medical, and other insurance.
- Ensures health insurance receivable and payable schedules align with the general ledger through reconciliation.
- Prepares schedules and handles delegated projects for the annual audit under the guidance of the Payroll Supervisor.
- Produces annual reports for various program audits and completes year-end reconciliations of Payroll accounts.
- Quarterly reconciliation of accounts and makes necessary preparations for the W/C Audit.
- Assists in payroll preparation by collecting and auditing timecards, reviewing time and attendance reports, and entering data into payroll service software.
- Assists in monthly reconciliation of Payroll bank accounts.
- Prepares and reviews payroll tax returns and deposits from payroll service for accuracy.
- Communicates promptly on payroll issues as they arise and keeps the Payroll Supervisor informed.
- Oversees the maintenance of Payroll Bank Account and resolves any issues.
- Generates timely reports to Finance and Directors following Payroll transmission.
- Audits and reconciles PTO for accurate payroll processing and employee records.
- Maintains a schedule of all payroll and reporting deadlines.
- Organizes and maintains all documents related to payroll.
- Prepares manual and off-cycle checks when necessary.
- Responds promptly to calls, payroll tickets, emails, and other payroll inquiries.
- Trains and orients staff in compliance with payroll procedures, including attending orientation meetings and occasional off-site training sessions.
- Adheres to safety rules and practices, ensuring maximum safety for oneself, colleagues, clients, and children.
- Undertakes other duties and projects as required.
Requirements:
- Associate’s Degree in Accounting or related field.
- Minimum of four years of experience in payroll accounting.
- General knowledge of and some experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial statement analysis, bank reconciliations, and GAAP.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other accounting software.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Availability during audit periods for data gathering, schedule preparation, and answering queries.
- Capability to work independently, multitask, and prioritize tasks based on deadlines.
- Proficiency in analyzing payroll accounts, registers, and labor distributions, and adjusting balances through well-documented journal entries.
- Understanding of accounting principles.
- Experience with in-house payroll, payroll tax returns, tax-free benefit plans, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, and knowledge of relevant regulations.
- Familiarity with general accounting systems including input of detail, subsidiary records, general ledger posting, and financial statement preparation.
- Proficiency in implementing internal accounting and administrative controls.