Accountant - Payroll Manager

Job Notes:

• 13 weeks potential to extend
  6-9 years' experience required
• Shift Details: Monday – Friday 9-5 – maybe some hours past 5 if needed. 40 hour per week
  Possible for weekend but would be the exception.
• Dress Code: Business casual
• The Accountant/Payroll Manager will oversee all payroll operations and provide full coverage during the Workday HR/Payroll system implementation. 
  This hands‑on role requires strong proficiency with the UKG payroll application, solid experience as a Payroll Manager, and deep knowledge of payroll tax processing, including multi‑state and interstate filings. 
  The position ensures accuracy, compliance, and seamless coordination across HR and Finance teams during a critical transition period.
• In Office Position ONLY.
• Expect prescreen call, 1 or 2 in person interview.

Job Summary: The Accountant is responsible for accurate and timely preparation of financial statements and other general ledger-related reconciliations and reporting for Empath Health and its Affiliates, as well as certain regulatory compliance requirements including State and Federal tax returns, Federal and State cost reports, and Federal, State, and Local grants reporting. The role assists with preparation of entity and grant-related operating budgets, and within appropriate segregation of duties, may also perform bank reconciliations; record, reconcile, and analyze payroll activity; maintain work-in-process and fixed asset subledgers; prepare and monitor accruals; prepare journal entries; review and record cash receipts; conduct accounting research in technically diverse areas; and maintain aspects of the General Ledger software and associated reporting tools. The Accountant provides oversight and quality assurance for the work of General Ledger Accountants and external coding, and serves as a liaison with internal departments and external parties, including grantors and vendors, to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion of all accounting-related functions. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Provide quality assurance review over routine work of General Ledger Accountants and general ledger coding by parties external to General Ledger Personnel. 
• Record, reconcile, analyze, and/or approve payroll and cash receipts activity. 
• Prepare and/or monitor accruals for significant liability areas such as MHB, Workers Compensation, Room & Board, Inpatient, and Respite. 
• Record and maintain work-in-process and fixed asset subledgers, reconciling them to the general ledger. 
• Prepare financial statements, account reconciliations, and bank reconciliations; perform analysis of these items. 
• Prepare necessary schedules for Federal, State, and Local grant reporting compliance. 
• Review and summarize contracts/agreements; research and apply appropriate accounting treatment related to fund accounting and trusts. 
• Prepare periodic PIP, Cost Per Day, and MHB reports. 
• Prepare schedules supporting annual cost reports, tax returns, and other regulatory reporting. 
• Assist with preparation of annual operating budgets. 
• Assist with maintenance of aspects of the General Ledger software and associated reporting tools. 
• Prepare annual audit schedules and work directly with external auditors to help ensure smooth year-end closes. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Manage end‑to‑end payroll processing with accuracy and timeliness.
  
  
• Serve as primary payroll lead during the Workday HR/Payroll system implementation.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
  
  
• Maintain payroll records, reports, and documentation in accordance with audit standards.
  
  
• Reconcile payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and verify accuracy of wage and hour calculations.
  
  
• Coordinate with HR, Finance, and Operations to support seamless payroll workflows.
  
  
• Process employee changes, deductions, garnishments, and adjustments as needed.
  
  
• Support testing, validation, and troubleshooting within the Workday implementation environment.
  
  
• Assist with year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 review and reporting.
  
  
• Provide coverage, guidance, and support to internal teams throughout the implementation period.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 6-9 years' experience required
• Three (3) or more years of hands-on general ledger accounting experience, or a combination of general ledger accounting and financial audit experience in a public accounting environment.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills.
  
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; additional Microsoft Office experience preferred.
  
  
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
  
  
• Prior direct customer service experience (internal and/or external).
  
  
• Flexibility in shifting between tasks, ability to work independently, monitor and set priorities, adaptability, and dependability.
  
  
• Prior general ledger accounting software experience.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the health care industry.
• Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) and FRx or Management Reporter experience.

Soft Skills

High level of reliability and accountability, especially during system transitions.
Strong communication skills for partnering with HR, Finance, and Operations.
Ability to stay organized and maintain accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.
Problem‑solving mindset with a calm, steady approach to unexpected issues.
Adaptability and willingness to learn new systems and processes.
Collaborative attitude with the ability to support cross‑functional teams.
Confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive payroll information

Education

Required Education: -Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a business-related field with significant Accounting coursework or a major in Accounting. Preferred Education: -N/A Required Certifications & Licensure: -N/A Preferred Certifications & Licensure: -N/A

Qualifications

6-9 years experience required
Proven experience in payroll management, accounting, or related financial operations.
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
Experience with HRIS or payroll systems; Workday experience is a plus but not required.
Proficiency in payroll reconciliation, reporting, and audit‑ready documentation.
Ability to manage sensitive employee data with discretion and accuracy.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies.
Familiarity with year‑end payroll processes, including W‑2 preparation and compliance.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred.