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Senior payroll accountant

Writer

Writer

Accounting & Finance
San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on May 29, 2025

📐 About this role

We are seeking a self-motivated senior payroll accountant to join our growing and high-performing accounting team. In this critical role, you’ll be primarily responsible for global payroll accounting while also supporting our AP team on the AP operations. As a key member of the team, you will play an instrumental role in scaling our accounting operations, processes and systems while wearing many hats in a startup environment.

This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves role where your initiative and ability to work in a fast-paced environment will be essential to the success of the accounting department and the company’s growth. You’ll need to be a proactive self-starter who thrives in a flexible, ever-evolving environment.

🦸🏻‍♀️ Your responsibilities

General ledger management:

  • The role involves collaboration with various functions, including human resources, to maintain accurate payroll records and support new initiatives

  • Perform all global payroll and payroll tax journal entries, including accounting for areas such as 401(k), deferred compensation, medical benefits, commission and other payroll related payments

  • Prepare payroll and related account reconciliations on a monthly basis and ensure outstanding reconciling items are cleared on a timely basis

  • Partner with other functions, such as human resources and provide guidance regarding payroll accounting matters

  • Support new business or benefit plan initiatives and implement relevant new processes

  • Support accounting team in month-end / quarter-end close process

  • Prepare and establish formal monthly and quarterly fluctuation analysis for payroll and related accounts

  • Develop, enhance or maintain an effective internal control environment in various aspects of payroll accounting

  • Be proactive in providing recommendations regarding process improvements, improved productivity, service quality, increased internal controls and cost saving measures; and implement such approved measures

  • Support our daily AP operations in addition to payroll where needed

  • Perform other related duties or ad hoc projects

  • Work with external auditors during quarterly, interim and annual audits

  • This position requires a highly experienced professional who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, ensuring compliance with internal controls and preparing for audits

⭐ Is this you?

Experience:

  • Extensive experience in payroll accounting and related functions

  • Experience with payroll tax journal entries and reconciliations

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Knowledge of payroll-related benefits and compliance with internal controls

  • Experience in partnering with human resources and other functions for payroll matters

  • Familiarity with 401(k), FSA, and other payroll-related terms

  • Knowledge and experience in Accounts payable operations and accounting processes is a plus

Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

  • Experience in NetSuite (required)

  • Experience in Rippling is a plus

  • Experience in Ramp or similar Procure to Pay platforms (i.e Coupa) is a plus

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a high-volume environment

Personal Traits:

  • A proactive, self-starter with a hands-on approach to tackling tasks and solving problems

  • Strong attention to detail, coupled with the ability to see the bigger picture

  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with non-finance teams

  • Ability to thrive in an evolving, fast-paced startup environment

  • Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to take on a wide range of tasks as the company grows


🍩 Benefits & perks (US Full-time employees)

  • Generous PTO, plus company holidays

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family

  • Paid parental leave for all parents (12 weeks)

  • Fertility and family planning support

  • Early-detection cancer testing through Galleri

  • Flexible spending account and dependent FSA options

  • Health savings account for eligible plans with company contribution

  • Annual work-life stipends for:

    • Home office setup, cell phone, internet

    • Wellness stipend for gym, massage/chiropractor, personal training, etc.

    • Learning and development stipend

  • Company-wide off-sites and team off-sites

  • Competitive compensation, company stock options and 401k

Writer is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to diversity. We don't make hiring or employment decisions based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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