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Payroll Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Accountant

Houston, TX · On-site

$49 - $50/hr

Payroll Accountant Location: Houston, TX Compensation: $49.00 - $50.00 / hour Benefits: This position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Job Summary We are seeking an ...

Located in Springfield, IL Salary: $55,000-$60,000 per year Payroll Accountant Location: Springfield, IL Salary: $55,000-$60,000 per year Job Type: Full-Time We are currently hiring for a Payroll ...

Payroll Accountant

Plainview, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the accurate accounting, recording, and reconciliation of payroll and employee benefits transactions. This role ensures payroll expenses, taxes, benefits ...

Payroll Accountant KBR is seeking a driven and detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join the Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) organization in either Houston, TX or Huntsville, AL. In this role ...

New

Payroll Accountant KBR is seeking a driven and detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join the Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) organization in either Houston, TX or Huntsville, AL. In this role ...

New

Payroll Accountant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Payroll Accounting & Senior Payroll Specialist (Two Opportunities!) We are actively recruiting for two exciting payroll opportunities -- one focused on Payroll Accounting and another at the Senior ...

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Accountant to support payroll operations and payroll accounting for our growing multi-state remote workforce. This role is responsible for ...

Payroll Accountant

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$29 - $32/hr

We are seeking a Payroll Accountant with at least three years of payroll and accounting experience for a position with a reputable organization located in the Chicago Loop/Downtown Chicago area. The ...

Payroll Accountant

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

We are looking for a Payroll Accountant to join a team in Princeton, New Jersey on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent position. This position is ideal for a finance specialist who ...

New

Protective Industrial Products is looking for a highly motivated Payroll Accountant to administer our payroll, travel & expense accounting. This role reports to the Global Payroll Manager and will ...

Payroll Accountant

Denver, CO · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Role: Payroll Accountant Location: Denver, CO (Hybrid, in-office) Pay rate: $32-36/hr, dependent on experience Benefits: This role is eligible for health, dental, vision and 401K eligible. We are ...

Payroll Accountant

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$29 - $32/hr

We are seeking a Payroll Accountant with at least three years of payroll and accounting experience for a position with a reputable organization located in the Chicago Loop/Downtown Chicago area. The ...

Payroll Accountant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Role Summary The Payroll Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across multiple entities. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented ...

Payroll Accountant Santa Clara, CA (Onsite) $90,000 - $100,000/yr Are you a seasoned payroll professional looking to join a great organization? Do you have at least five years of payroll experience ...

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Payroll Accountant information

See salary details

$32K

$66.5K

$90.5K

How much do payroll accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll accountant in the United States is $66,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $75,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll accountant?

To thrive as a Payroll Accountant, you need expertise in payroll processing, accounting principles, and relevant regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), Microsoft Excel, and knowledge of tax compliance are essential technical requirements. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong organizational skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance with regulatory standards, which directly impacts employee satisfaction and organizational trust.

What is the difference between Payroll Accountant vs Bookkeeper?

AspectPayroll AccountantBookkeeper
CredentialsTypically requires accounting or finance certifications, such as CPA or payroll-specific certificationsUsually requires basic bookkeeping or accounting courses, no specific certifications often needed
Work EnvironmentWorks in finance or HR departments, often in larger organizations or accounting firmsWorks in small to medium-sized businesses, handling day-to-day financial record-keeping
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate, manufacturing, and service industries with complex payroll needsFound across various industries, especially small businesses, focusing on general financial records

The Payroll Accountant specializes in managing payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and reconciling payroll accounts, often requiring accounting certifications. In contrast, a Bookkeeper handles broader financial record-keeping, including invoicing and expense tracking, with less emphasis on payroll-specific tasks. While both roles involve financial data, Payroll Accountants focus more on payroll accuracy and compliance, whereas Bookkeepers maintain overall financial records.

Is payroll accountant a good career?

A payroll accountant is a professional responsible for processing employee wages, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and maintaining payroll records. The role typically requires attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software, and knowledge of payroll regulations, offering stable employment opportunities in finance and human resources departments.

What are some common challenges a payroll accountant faces when managing payroll for a large organization?

Payroll Accountants in large organizations often encounter challenges such as handling complex pay structures, ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws, and managing high volumes of payroll data with accuracy and confidentiality. Coordinating with HR and finance teams to resolve discrepancies or update employee information can also be demanding. Staying organized and leveraging payroll software efficiently are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring timely, error-free payroll processing.

What does a payroll accountant do?

A Payroll Accountant is responsible for managing all aspects of an organization's payroll process. This includes calculating employee wages, ensuring accurate deductions for taxes and benefits, preparing payroll reports, and ensuring compliance with government regulations. Payroll Accountants also handle issues related to payroll discrepancies, maintain payroll records, and may assist with audits. Their role is essential in ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining proper financial documentation.

What are the top 3 skills for a payroll accountant position?

A payroll accountant needs strong attention to detail to ensure accurate processing of employee payments, proficiency in accounting software and payroll systems, and knowledge of payroll laws and regulations. Good organizational skills and the ability to handle confidential information are also essential for success in this role.

What cities are hiring for Payroll Accountant jobs?

Cities with the most Payroll Accountant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Accountant jobs?

The most popular types of Payroll Accountant jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Payroll Accountant jobs?

The top employers for Payroll Accountant jobs are:

What states have the most Payroll Accountant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Payroll Accountant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Payroll Accountant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,485 per year, or $32 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company Description

The ideal Payroll Accountant will have experience with multi-national full cycle payroll experience. Reporting into the Payroll Supervisor, the Payroll Accountant will process payroll for 300+ employees. The Payroll Accountant will also collaborate with Accounting and Finance for Month end/Year end close.

Job Description

Understand the various requirements and payroll laws related to payroll processing for various states and countries
Process wage garnishments, 401k distributions/contribution, and payroll taxes
Assist Payroll Manager with calculating bonuses and commissions
Own the on-boarding process of new employees and audit employee records for accuracy
Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll and generating necessary reports from NetSuite/QuickBooks
Record all necessary payroll entries and allocations to the various deptartments
Manage time-keeping and expense reporting system set up, approval process, and maintenance
Research and maintain timing filing for various state business license and tax filings
Assist with financial audits and GL analysis
Assist in preparing timely and accurate financial statements and analysis
Prepare timely monthly reconciliations of all bank and credit card accounts and assist in the reconciliation of various general ledger accounts, as assigned by Payroll Supervisor and Finance Director
Assist in preparation of the annual financial audit and other outside audits
Enter and/or ensure proper entry of accounts payable, customer deposits, general ledger and other financial transactions
Prepare monthly and recurring journal entries for approval
Create policies, procedures and workflows for accounting functions to improve operations, decrease turnaround times and streamline processes
Assist in maintaining paperless filing system for Finance Department and contract tracking

Qualifications

5+ years of payroll and accounting experience
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, V-lookups, Sum IF's, H-Look ups)
Competency with QuickBooks a must
Advanced skills in NetSuite or similar accounting software
High attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks

Additional Information

Education Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related fieldAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.