Senior Payroll Accountant

JFF•Boston, DC

8d•$80,000 - $98,000•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Accounting, the Senior payroll accountant is a key member of the Finance team. This role is responsible for leading core payroll and payroll-accounting functions while supporting broader accounting operations, including reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, audit preparation, financial reporting, and compliance activities. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll expertise, sound accounting judgment, close attention to detail, and a service-oriented approach to working with colleagues, external vendors, and regulatory stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and enjoys improving processes while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Requirements

Substantial payroll experience, including hands-on work with ADP Workforce Now, payroll processing, payroll reporting, tax filings, and payroll record maintenance.
Strong knowledge of payroll compliance requirements, including final pay requirements, retirement contribution remittance, benefit deduction remittance, and related controls.
Experience managing federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax requirements, including unemployment insurance reporting.
Skilled at building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and regulatory partners, and a customer-service mindset to your work.
7+ years of relevant experience in multi-state payroll processing managing over 250 employees
3+ years of experience using NetSuite or a similar system, along with strong Excel and reporting skills.
Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, and comfortable working under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Communicate clearly, collaborate effectively across functions, and handle confidential matters with sound judgment and professionalism.
A track record of working successfully both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Aligned with JFF’s mission and values and model inclusive, collaborative ways of working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
A curious, adaptable learner who brings a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Lead bi-weekly payroll processing in partnership with JFF’s third-party payroll provider to ensure timely and accurate payroll execution.
Ensure timely timesheet collection, review, and approval in alignment with internal controls and payroll processing deadlines.
Manage payroll tax and year-end processing activities, including 941 reconciliations, quarterly wage and tax adjustments, W-2 coordination, and maintenance of payroll records and files In partnership with a third-party payroll provider.
Partner with People and Culture, Total Rewards, and external vendors to coordinate payroll, benefits, and related reporting requirements.
Prepare payroll-related journal entries and ensure accurate recording of wages, taxes, benefits, and related accruals.
Prepare wage reports and other ad hoc payroll reporting needed for quarterly reporting, unemployment claims, audits, and compliance requirements.
Review and improve payroll standard operating procedures and related processes to strengthen efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness across the organization.
Monitor internal controls related to payroll processing, employee record maintenance, benefit payments, and other payroll-related activities.
Maintain payroll-related employee data and controls in ADP and NetSuite, including updates for new hires, tax jurisdictions, direct deposit, compensation, deductions, and address changes.
Respond to employee questions related to pay, W-2s, NetSuite access, and timesheet issues.
Lead annual 403(b) audit activities, support the workers’ compensation audit, and coordinate the 403(b) census review and Form 5500 filings.
Support monthly and year-end close activities, including journal entries, account analysis, reconciliations, and review/ posting of entries from other team members.
Support broader accounting operations as assigned.
Assist with annual audit preparation, including PBC support, resource gathering, and recommended follow-through on audit-related items.
Support grants-related budget monitoring and collaborate across the Finance team to advance department goals and objectives.
Manage charity registrations in all fifty states in partnership with RASI.
Analyze current workflows and partner with the Senior Director, Accounting & Operations on updates to processes and policies that improve efficiency and accuracy.