Payroll Accountant

KELLEY CREATE•Kent, WA

About The Position

Kelley Create is seeking a detail-oriented and technically strong Payroll Accountant to manage full-cycle payroll operations for a multi-state workforce. This role supports a dynamic compensation environment that includes hourly, salaried, commission, and draw-based pay structures. The Payroll Accountant will ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, maintain accurate payroll records, and support audit and reporting requirements. This position operates within a small, high-functioning payroll team and requires both precision and the ability to manage complex payroll scenarios.

Requirements

Minimum 2+ years of payroll accounting experience, preferably in a multi-state environment
Strong working knowledge of payroll tax compliance (federal, state, and local)
Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll systems
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data reconciliation)
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, invoices, SOP, and instructions; write routine reports and correspondence. Effectively present information in one-on-one situations and small group situations to customers or vendors, and other employees.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Identifies problems, gathers information, and offers solutions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required. Proficiency with email is required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Accounting or related field
Experience supporting audits (financial, payroll, or 401(k))
Familiarity with commission and draw compensation structures
Experience working in a multi-state or distributed workforce environment
Strong understanding of benefits payroll impacts, including pre-tax vs. post-tax deductions and arrears management
Knowledge of wage garnishments, levies, and child support orders across multiple jurisdictions

Responsibilities

Process biweekly full-cycle payroll for multi-state employees, including hourly, salaried, commission, and draw-based compensation structures
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including multi-state tax requirements
Maintain and reconcile payroll records, ensuring accuracy across earnings, deductions, and tax withholdings
Reconcile and audit benefit deductions, including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA contributions
Partner with Finance and HR to support payroll-related reporting and general ledger alignment
Prepare, review, and submit state and local payroll tax filings
Support internal and external audits, including 401(k), financial audits, and compliance reviews
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner
Maintain strict confidentiality of employee payroll and financial data
Collaborate within a small payroll team to ensure deadlines and service levels are consistently met
Assist in the recruitment process by posting job openings, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates.
Help prepare offer letters and employment agreements.
Coordinate the onboarding process, including preparing new hire paperwork, and organizing new hire orientations.
Coordinate pre-employment activities such as background checks, reference checks, and new hire paperwork.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in the HR system (HRIS).
Ensure compliance with all legal documentation requirements, including I-9s, W-4s, and other employment forms.
Assist in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and company policies.
Prepare reports related to HR functions such as headcount, turnover rates, and employee demographics.