Payroll Administrator

Bavarian Nordic•Durham, CA

5d•$80,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Bavarian Nordic is seeking a Payroll Administrator to support payroll administration and related payroll accounting for its North American operations in the U.S. and Canada. The role is part of a six-person Finance team supporting more than 170 employees. The position processes payroll in the payroll system and manages payroll accounting in Microsoft Dynamics D365, while contributing to the alignment and improvement of payroll activities, tools, and processes. It reports to the Director of North American Finance. The preferred location is near the Durham, North Carolina office, though proximity is not required; Greater Raleigh/Durham or the East Coast is preferred. Occasional travel may be required for Finance team meetings and in-person meetings with the local team.

Requirements

At least 3 years of payroll experience, including automated payroll processing.
Working knowledge of payroll accounting, financial system postings, and monthly, quarterly, and annual account reconciliations.
Proficiency in HRIS systems.
Strong Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, and data validation for payroll analysis, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Strong communication and internal customer service skills, with the ability to deliver accurate, timely payroll in a deadline-driven environment.
Initiative, a continuous improvement mindset, and adaptability to develop new skills and take on broader responsibilities as the company grows.
Flexible communication style and cultural awareness when collaborating across functions and countries.

Nice To Haves

Experience with TriNet, Empower 401(k), and Microsoft Dynamics D365.
Proximity to the office in Durham, North Carolina; Greater Raleigh/Durham or the East Coast is preferred.

Responsibilities

Process accurate, timely payroll for hourly and salaried employees under general supervision, maintaining related records and accounting.
Ensure compliance with U.S. and Canadian payroll laws and requirements, including federal, state, provincial, and local taxes, statutory deductions, contributions, and reporting.
Prepare payroll reports and support audits of payroll records and related general ledger accounts.
Lead the annual 401(k) audit with support from the Director of North American Finance by coordinating requests, preparing documentation and reconciliations, and serving as the primary auditor contact.
Review payroll entries made by others, including pay changes, benefit deductions, terminations, FMLA, applicable Canadian leaves, and other unpaid leave.
Assist employees with payroll questions, deductions, benefits, PTO accruals, and pay issues.
Process voluntary deductions, garnishments, levies, and court-ordered payments, ensuring timely remittance and reporting to the appropriate authorities.
Manage payroll accounting in Microsoft Dynamics D365, including accurate payroll postings, salary, PTO, and benefits journal entries, and monthly, quarterly, and annual account reconciliations.
Review U.S. and Canadian travel and expense reports for documentation, approvals, coding, and policy compliance; process reimbursements, including through payroll; and ensure accurate recording and reconciliation in D365.
Identify and implement improvements to payroll administration, accounting, and reconciliations to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
Partner with commercial leadership to calculate performance commissions.