Senior Accountant Payroll & Financial Operations

What We Offer
We take care of our team so you can thrive at work and beyond. Our benefits include:

• 100% company-paid medical coverage for employees.
• Vision, Dental, Life.
• A 401(k) plan with a 4% company match to help you invest in your future.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and resources when you need them most.
• And so much more, because we believe in supporting the whole you, inside and outside of work.

Senior Accountant – Payroll & Financial Operations

Department: Accounting & Finance
Reports To: Director of Finance
Supervises: None (Processes; may mentor junior staff)

Role Summary: The Senior Accountant – Payroll & Financial Operations is a key member of the accounting team, responsible for managing and executing core accounting functions, full-cycle payroll, and financial analysis activities. This position supports financial planning, tax compliance, external audits, and ensures adherence to GAAP standards. The Senior Accountant also contributes to budgeting, forecasting, and internal control improvements to support operational efficiency and financial integrity in a small, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Month-End & Year-End Close

• Prepare and process journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and financial workpapers.
• Generate internal reports and financial summaries to support leadership decisions.
• Maintain accounting accuracy in accordance with GAAP and internal policies.

Payroll Management

• Oversee and process bi-weekly payroll, including benefits, 401(k), bonuses, and withholdings.
• Ensure payroll tax compliance across federal and state jurisdictions.
• Record payroll-related entries and reconcile payroll accounts monthly.
• Collaborate with HR to maintain accurate employee compensation data.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist with the preparation of the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.
• Analyze payroll and headcount data to track variances and support labor planning.
• Support scenario modeling and cost analysis projects to improve financial strategy.

Accounts Receivable & Payable

• Oversee customer invoicing, cash application, and account reconciliations.
• Review and ensure vendor invoices are entered accurately in the ERP system.
• Monitor collections and communicate with customers and vendors on account status.
• Maintain and test documentation for A/R and A/P processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Support external reviews and audits by preparing schedules and responding to review and audit inquiries.
• Maintain and enhance standard operating procedures (SOPs) for internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, ERISA, and payroll-related laws.
• Assist with annual tax filings and coordination with external tax advisors.
• Ensure sales tax reports and payments are timely and accurate.
• Monitor updates or changes to tax law that may impact the company. Ensures proper communication and action is taken to ensure compliance.

Leadership and Additional Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and cross-train junior accounting staff.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (HR, Ops, Manufacturing) to align financial processes.
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills:
Experience:

• 4-6 years of experience in accounting and payroll, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, sales tax, and payroll compliance.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• CPA, CPP, or other accounting/payroll certifications preferred.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work with internal departments and external stakeholders such as auditors and regulatory agencies.
• Strong initiative, analytical thinking, and time management.

Other Skills:

• Proficiency in accounting and payroll systems (e.g., NetSuite, ADP, Avalara).
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
• Knowledge of GAAP, payroll tax laws, and financial compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to analyze data and figures effectively.
• Professional demeanor with tact, diplomacy, and a confident approach to challenges.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to communicate orally with customers, management, and coworkers is crucial. 
• Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential.
• Hearing with normal ranges is helpful for normal conversations.
• Work requires visual acuity in order to prepare and analyze data at a distance close to the eyes and to prepare or inspect documents.
• Sitting for extended periods is common but the ability to stand for extended periods of time is required.
• Occasional exertion and lifting of up to 10 lbs. may be required.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment.

Work Environment:

• Works in a home office or office environment.
• Occasionally may be exposed to dust, odors, oils, cleaning solvents, lubricants, and noise if a walk through the manufacturing and warehouse environment is required.

This job description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.