Payroll & Benefits Accountant

Eagle Rock Properties•Plainview, NY

2d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll & Benefits Accountant is responsible for the accounting, reconciliation, and financial reporting of payroll and employee benefit activity across approximately 70 entities within a real estate management organization. This is an accounting-focused position with significant responsibility for ensuring payroll expenses, taxes, employee deductions, benefits, accruals, and related liabilities are accurately recorded and reconciled in the general ledger. The Payroll & Benefits Accountant will play an important role in the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and will work closely with Payroll, Human Resources, and Finance to maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll-related financial information. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accountant who enjoys working in a multi-entity environment, can independently investigate and resolve discrepancies, and has a strong understanding of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and payroll and benefits activity.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Three or more years of accounting experience, preferably including payroll accounting, benefits accounting, or payroll administration.
Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and payroll accounting.
Experience with payroll systems and ERP/accounting software preferred.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PIVOT tables.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Prepare, record, and reconcile payroll journal entries, including wages, taxes, deductions, accruals, and employer-paid benefits.
Analyze and reconcile payroll, benefits, and related balance sheet and expense accounts on a monthly basis for multiple entities.
Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports and schedules related to payroll and employee benefits.
Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including intercompany journal entries and account reconciliations.
Collaborate with the Payroll team to ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in a timely, and resolve payroll-related discrepancies.
Partner with Human Resources to support the accounting and administration of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and other benefit offerings.
Ensure payroll and benefits accounting complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Ensure timely and accurate recording and payment of payroll tax liabilities.
Prepare documentation and schedules to support internal audits.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits accounting processes and internal controls.