Payroll Accountant Job Description

What is the job description of a Payroll Accountant? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Payroll Accountant? What does a Payroll Accountant do?

Job description of a Payroll Accountant

Payroll Accountants process salary payments to employees. Their responsibilities include calculating salaries, updating payroll systems with employee information, and preparing internal and external tax reports. They may also conduct internal audits.

This Payroll Accountant job description example includes the list of most important Payroll Accountant duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Payroll Accountant profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Payroll Accountant Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Accountant job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Preparing ledger entries with earnings and deductions.
  • Entering payroll information and maintaining payroll files.
  • Calculating salaries, overtime earnings, and vacation deductions.
  • Issuing paychecks in a timely manner.
  • Generating payroll reports for Managers to review.
  • Updating payroll systems, including employment hires and terminations.
  • Preparing payroll and tax reports for federal, state, and local agencies when required.
  • Attending to payroll inquiries from employees.

Payroll Accountant Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Payroll Accountant job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) will be advantageous.
  • A minimum of two years' experience as a Payroll Accountant, or in a similar role.
  • Experience in preparing payroll and tax reports, as well as answering payroll inquiries.
  • Ability to maintain and update employees' payroll files.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Payroll Software, such as BrightPay and Payroll Mate.
  • Extensive experience in preparing ledger entries and processing payments.
  • In-depth knowledge of applicable tax laws.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Payroll Accountant starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Payroll Accountant job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Payroll Accountant may also reference it in preparation for the interview.