Staff Accountant, Payroll Focused

The Kennedy Collective•Trumbull, CT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Accountant – Payroll Focus, is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 500+ employees across TKC's five operating divisions. This role serves as the primary payroll administrator, ensuring compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws, managing payroll deductions and benefits allocations, reconciling payroll data with general ledger accounts, and supporting month-end and year-end close processes. The position requires strong attention to detail, proficiency in payroll systems, and the ability to handle sensitive employee information with discretion and confidentiality. The position also serves as back-up support to all accounting functions AR/AP/Procurement/Entitlement. This is a front-line professional role within the Finance team, reporting directly to the Director of Finance. The Staff Accountant collaborates closely with HR, division managers, and program directors to resolve payroll discrepancies, implement time and attendance policies, and continuously improve payroll processes. Success in this role means error-free payroll runs, satisfied employees whose pay is correct and on time, and clean audit trails that support TKC's financial compliance obligations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
Minimum 2 years of experience processing payroll for a multi-location organization with 200+ employees.
Demonstrated proficiency with payroll software systems (Paylocity, ADP, or equivalent); proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables and VLOOKUP.
Working knowledge of federal and Connecticut wage and hour laws, overtime rules, and tax withholding requirements.
Experience with general ledger account reconciliation and month-end close processes.
Valid driver's license and ability to work legally in the United States.
Must pass background check as required for employment at a nonprofit serving vulnerable populations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Experience with nonprofit accounting, grant-funded programs, or cost allocation methodologies.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics BC or similar cloud-based accounting systems.
Experience processing payroll for employees under Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS/SCA).
Experience with multi-state payroll processing (CT, NY, PA, RI).

Responsibilities

Own the full-cycle payroll process for 500+ employees, ensuring accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll runs with 100% on-time completion.
Process payroll deductions for benefits (health insurance, 401(k), FSA/HSA), garnishments, child support, and other withholdings with complete accuracy.
Reconcile payroll accounts to the general ledger, investigate and resolve discrepancies, and support month-end and year-end close processes.
Respond to employee payroll inquiries professionally and promptly, investigating and resolving pay discrepancies within 48 hours.
Ensure accuracy of year-end reporting and support external audit requests for payroll-related documentation.
Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll regulations, implementing process changes as needed to maintain compliance.
Maintain absolute confidentiality of employee pay and personal information; access and discuss payroll data only as required for job duties.
Deliver error-free payroll runs with zero tolerance for missed deadlines or critical calculation errors.
Respond to employee inquiries within 48 hours with professional, complete, and courteous communication.
Complete all reconciliations and month-end close activities accurately and on schedule.
Process timesheet approvals from managers and flag discrepancies for resolution.
Respond to employee payroll inquiries via phone and email.
Update employee records for new hires, terminations, and status changes.
Complete bi-weekly payroll processing cycle including final review and submission.
Review and reconcile payroll register for accuracy before final approval.
Reconcile payroll liability accounts and prepare journal entries for general ledger.
Reconcile and submit workers' compensation reports with accurate payroll data.
Review and update payroll processes and procedures documentation (as needed).