Payroll and Accounting Specialist (Exempt)

Payroll and Accounting Specialist Exempt•Denver, CO

5d•$85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Payroll and Accounting Specialist is an exempt, senior-level individual contributor responsible for independently managing and executing key accounting, payroll, administrative, and financial operations. This role exercises discretion and independent judgment in the analysis, reporting, and reconciliation of employment, financial, and payroll data, as well as in audit preparation and process improvement initiatives. The position requires advanced technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to identify risks, resolve complex issues, and execute finance and payroll tasks. Work is structured across core functional areas to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and financial integrity.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, and payroll operations
Advanced hands-on experience with Paylocity , including payroll processing, reporting, and audits
Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks , including general ledger management and reconciliations
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, financial analysis)
Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex processes with minimal supervision
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
High level of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism

Nice To Haves

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
Experience with multi-state payroll and/or multi-entity accounting
Prior responsibility for audit coordination or regulatory compliance
Experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end invoicing processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance with contractual terms, and timely billing
Perform complex account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies using professional judgment
Prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end close activities
Independently prepare, analyze, and validate recurring financial reports, including revenue, expense, and variance analyses
Identify trends, risks, and inefficiencies; recommend corrective actions and process improvements
Maintain internal controls and documentation standards in alignment with audit and compliance requirements
Serve as the primary owner of payroll operations using Paylocity, exercising discretion over payroll validation and controls
Review and approve payroll inputs, earnings, deductions, and adjustments prior to processing
Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and resolve variances independently
Prepare payroll-related financial reports and compliance documentation
Act as a subject-matter expert for payroll policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance
Partner with HR leadership to resolve escalated or complex payroll matters
Lead audit preparation and coordination efforts, including document review, reconciliations, and auditor responses
Maintain audit-ready financial and payroll records in accordance with internal and external requirements
Evaluate existing finance and payroll processes and recommend enhancements for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
Support internal controls, compliance initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts
Provide guidance and best practices related to finance administrative processes