Pay Accountant III

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Accountant III manages and reconciles complex general ledger accounts, processes advanced accounting transactions, and resolves variances to ensure accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance. The role also documents procedures and provides guidance and training to less experienced accountants.

Requirements

Bachelor's in a job related field accounting with 24 semester hours in accounting. (Anyone hired prior to August 1, 2008 in an accounting position only requires 21 semester hours of accounting.)
5 years of accounting experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of fundamental accounting concepts, practices and procedures.
Possesses excellent communication, organizational and analytical skills.
Ability to work independently.
Microsoft Office.
Ability to use data retrieval applications.

Nice To Haves

Able to write complex queries using database software.
Highly skilled at excel.

Responsibilities

Prepares daily and monthly complex account reconciliations, including W‑2–related balances, understanding payroll tax accounts, and other high‑impact financial areas.
Works extensively with large data sets to validate, reconcile, and ensure accuracy across systems.
Ensures all work complies with GAAP, federal acquisition regulations, cost accounting standards, and internal departmental policies.
Maintains the general ledger by processing journal entries and generating financial reports.
Reviews, analyzes, and verifies complex accounting and system transactions, including payroll‑related entries.
Identifies, resolves, and documents variances using detailed data analysis.
Provides accounting insight to operational areas to help diagnose and resolve issues.
Supports month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close activities in alignment with established timelines and procedures.
Produces required reports and management analyses covering cost behavior, trends, variances, and other key indicators.
Reconciles general ledger accounts—including those tied to payroll, benefits, and tax activities—and processes necessary adjusting entries.
Reviews and supports reconciliation work performed in other accounting areas, including subsidiary ledgers.
Maintains up‑to‑date work instructions for assigned activities.
Reviews departmental policies, procedures, and forms to identify enhancement opportunities.
Recommends updates and drafts revisions to improve accuracy, clarity, and operational effectiveness.
Assists the Supervisor with special projects and research assignments.
Interfaces with internal and external audit teams to support audit activities.
Provides guidance, training, and consultation to other accountants.
Advises internal partners on complex accounting principles and reconciliation requirements.