Payroll Accountant, Specialist

American Institute of Physics Incorporated•College Park, MD

4d•$79,477 - $87,425•Hybrid

About The Position

AIP is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Accountant to join our dynamic Finance and Administration team. In this vital role, you will oversee the end-to-end payroll process and ensure accurate, timely payroll administration for AIP, AIP Publishing, and select Member Societies. Working collaboratively with our Talent and Culture team, you will manage biweekly payroll operations, maintain payroll tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and support key financial processes including account reconciliations, journal entries, and budget planning. This position requires in-depth experience with ADP Workforce Manager payroll and a solid grasp of payroll regulations and multi-state compliance. If you are passionate about accuracy, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are excited to contribute to the mission of advancing the physical sciences, we encourage you to apply. Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Management, or related field required.
Minimum of 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, including with ADP Workforce Manager.
Experience managing payroll in mid-to-large organizations, including multi-state payroll.
Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now and Kronos (or equivalent timekeeping systems).
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, and pivot tables.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
In-depth understanding of payroll regulations and tax compliance requirements.
Customer service mindset with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Process bi-weekly payroll for AIP and four affiliated organizations, totaling 300+ employees.
Prepare and post bi-weekly payroll journal entries, including entries for Member Societies.
Manage third-party filings and ensure timely retirement contribution submissions.
Maintain and oversee all timekeeping systems and payroll coding structures.
Review and validate tax filings completed by ADP.
Perform monthly reconciliations of all payroll-related accounts.
Monitor and interpret payroll-related legislation and regulatory updates to ensure compliance.
Create and maintain custom reports within ADP Workforce Now.
Evaluate payroll processes and internal controls; recommend and implement process improvements.
Lead personnel budget planning and analysis in collaboration with Finance.
Support the annual salary and benefits budgeting process.
Assist with the annual retirement plan audit.
Manage all year-end payroll activities and verify the accuracy of W-2 forms prepared by ADP.