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Payroll Accountant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

LCS

Payroll Accountant - Community

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

The Payroll Accountant - Community is primarily responsible for processing payroll for our managed retirement community employees. The position will also handle benefit processing, assist with tax ...

LCS

Payroll Accountant - Community

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

The Payroll Accountant - Community is primarily responsible for processing payroll for our managed retirement community employees. The position will also handle benefit processing, assist with tax ...

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Payroll Accountant information

See Iowa salary details

$30.1K

$62.4K

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How much do payroll accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll accountant in Iowa is $62,447.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,700.00 and $70,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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. It offers stable employment opportunities and can lead to advancement in finance or accounting fields.
More about Payroll Accountant jobs

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

The most popular types of Payroll Accountant jobs in Iowa are:

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For Payroll Accountant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Payroll Accountant jobs in Iowa are:

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Payroll Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Accountant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,447 per year, or $30 per hour.

Payroll Accountant - Community

LCS

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


The Payroll Accountant - Community is primarily responsible for processing payroll for our managed retirement community employees. The position will also handle benefit processing, assist with tax reporting, and with client billing.
Experience is Everything.
At LCS, experience is everything. We provide you the opportunity to use your talents in a progressive, growing organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. If you are seeking an organization that gives back, you'll love working here. Our principles and hospitality promises define our company culture. LCS employees can be found participating in volunteer activities, getting involved in our committees or collaborating with team members in our innovative workspace. You'll find several opportunities to grow as a professional, serve the community, and enhance the lives of seniors.
What You'll Do:
  • Responsible for the processing of bi-weekly retirement community payrolls.
  • Maintain employee payroll and personnel records and information in Oracle, including address changes, taxation, compensation, deductions, wage garnishments, benefit changes, etc.
  • Maintain federal, state, and local payroll tax records. Assist the Compliance team in reconciling tax accounts, reconciling annual reports, and preparing annual W-2's.
  • Understand and maintain client's policies with PTO plans, holiday payment, shift differentials, etc. based upon the client's handbook and policies while adhering the federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Maintain employee assignment costing in the payroll system. Prepare costing reports for Corporate Accounting for preparing invoices to clients.
  • Assist with client inquiries including billing questions from the clients related to payroll and benefit expenses.
  • Assist with payroll account reconciliations with the general ledger.
  • Prepare various payroll reports for clients and management.

What We're Looking For:
  • Required qualifications
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • 2- 4 years of payroll experience in a complex multi-state organization.
    • Must be proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and 10-key skills.
    • Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks to meet all deadlines.
    • Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality with sensitive information.
    • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong customer service skills.
    • Strong problem solving skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
    • Ability to work with little supervision, taking initiative in tasks that need to be done and using good judgment in making routine decisions.
  • Preferred qualifications
    • Associate degree
    • Knowledge of payroll laws and tax reporting regulations.
    • Experience with Oracle HCM Cloud system.

Why Join Us?
Industry Leader.
Inclusive & collaborative culture.
Top Workplace USA.
Top Workplace Iowa.
Charity and community involvement.
Outstanding advancement opportunities.
Ongoing career development.
Benefits
Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(K) with company match and paid parental leave.
Our Commitment
LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You'll see this commitment in our people. They're talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed-strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long-term growth and value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: https://www.lcsliving.com
Additional Information
Travel frequency: 0-10%
Estimated Salary: $44,000 - $55,000
The actual title & salary will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.
A POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING REFERENCES IS REQUIRED.
LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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