Payroll Accountant (U.S. Payroll, ADP/Gusto, Payroll Compliance) – Remote

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote
Working Hours: U.S. Business Hours

About the Role

At Pavago, one of our clients is hiring a Payroll Accountant to manage end-to-end payroll processing, payroll accounting, tax compliance, and payroll reporting for U.S.-based organizations.

This is more than just processing payroll. You’ll ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, payroll taxes are filed correctly, financial records remain audit-ready, and payroll data is properly reconciled with accounting systems.

You’ll work closely with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to maintain compliance, improve payroll processes, and deliver a seamless employee payroll experience.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls for 50–500+ employees.
• Review and validate timecards, overtime, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and reimbursements.
• Process payroll using systems such as ADP, Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, BambooHR, or similar platforms.
• Verify payroll accuracy before final submission and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations

• Prepare and post payroll journal entries into accounting systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero.
• Reconcile payroll clearing accounts, payroll liabilities, and payroll-related bank transactions.
• Record benefits, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and employer contributions accurately.
• Support month-end and year-end financial close activities related to payroll.

Payroll Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and file federal, state, and local payroll taxes accurately and on time.
• Process payroll tax forms including Forms 941, W-2, 1099, and applicable state filings.
• Stay current with U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready payroll records and documentation.

Benefits & Employee Support

• Reconcile healthcare, retirement, and employee benefit deductions.
• Ensure payroll deductions align with employee elections and company policies.
• Support payroll onboarding for new hires, terminations, and employee changes.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, direct deposits, tax withholding, and pay statements.

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Generate payroll reports, headcount reports, and payroll summaries for leadership.
• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and reconciliations.
• Analyze payroll variances and identify discrepancies or trends.
• Improve payroll workflows through automation, process improvements, and standardized SOPs.

Required Experience & Skills

• 2+ years of experience in payroll processing or payroll accounting.
• Hands-on experience with at least one payroll platform such as ADP, Gusto, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, or BambooHR.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, payroll taxes, and compliance.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reconciliations.
• Experience preparing payroll journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work independently in a remote environment.

Nice to Have

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience managing multi-state or international payroll.
• Experience integrating payroll with accounting or HRIS systems.
• Familiarity with NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Workday, BambooHR, or Zenefits.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and compliance reviews.

What Success Looks Like

• Payroll processed accurately and on time every pay cycle.
• Less than 1% payroll error rate.
• Payroll tax filings completed before all deadlines.
• Payroll discrepancies resolved within two business days.
• Accurate payroll reconciliations and audit-ready documentation.
• Reliable payroll reporting that supports Finance and HR decision-making.

Interview Process

• Initial Recruiter Screening
• Video Interview with Pavago Recruiter
• Practical Assessment (Payroll Processing & Reconciliation Scenario)
• Client Interview
• Offer & Onboarding

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 final step that completes your application.

Instead of repeating yourself through multiple screening calls, you’ll introduce yourself once, and your video will be shared with the hiring team. This helps hiring managers evaluate your communication style early, making future interviews more meaningful while reducing unnecessary interview rounds.

Don’t overthink it—you can record your video as many times as you’d like before submitting it. Only your final submission will be reviewed. Please keep an eye on both your inbox and spam folder for your Spark Hire invitation.