Payroll Accountant

Payroll Accountant

We are Diversified, a global media company that connects, educates, and strengthens business communities through a diverse portfolio of events, digital products, and publications. Our US division, based in Portland, Maine, produces industry-leading conferences, expos, and digital content that drive innovation and growth in the 15+ industries we serve. At Diversified, our culture is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

As the Payroll Accountant you will ensure all US, Asia and Canada payrolls are processed accurately and on schedule. You will have hands-on experience processing payroll with Workday and a solid understanding of multi-state payroll laws. This position will work collaboratively with HR and the Accounting Team members to foster a positive and engaging employee experience. You'll also provide responsive, knowledgeable support to employees and managers, resolving payroll inquiries and issues promptly to maintain trust, employee satisfaction, and operational continuity.

If you are someone who takes genuine pride in getting the details right, who thrives in a multi-deadline environment, and who understands that payroll is one of the most trust-sensitive functions in any organization, we want to hear from you! Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds and equivalent practical experience are encouraged to apply.

This position is hybrid, based out of Portland, ME, with flexibility built in to support work-life balance. You'll be joining a collaborative, mission-driven organization during a period of meaningful growth and system transformation.

What You'll Do

• Work independently to process and run multiple payroll activities with bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines. Provide problem resolution and employee customer service, serving as a point of contact for all employee payroll inquiries
• Process bi-weekly and monthly pay groups and ensure accurate and timely processing of all pay groups, assure maintenance of individual payroll records, direct deposit records, and time records.
• Facilitate preparation of global payroll for 2 subsidiaries using in-county payroll providers, managing contributions to global retirement accounts.
• Balance quarterly federal and multi-state tax returns. Handle processing, reconciliation, and distribution of global tax reporting.
• Register new state and local tax agencies.
• Inform and work with Human Resources on compliance issue updates.
• Properly interpret and align with federal, multistate, and local payroll tax regulations including unemployment rules.
• Maintain vendor relationships with payroll providers to ensure all tax, compliance and payroll functions are facilitated accurately and on time. Keep current with new payroll and tax law changes. Support and incorporate approved departmental and corporate policies.
• Manage system updates impacting tax regulations and/or payroll processing.
• Facilitate quarter and year-end tax close.
• Compile regular and ad hoc reports for payroll and managers.
• Prepare payroll journal entry for the General Ledger and reconcile payroll transactions to support month-end close and GL mapping to the payroll system.
• Calculate payroll taxes and process annual Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) payments. Communicate with SERP participants.
• Other payroll, tax and compliance responsibilities as needed.

What You'll Bring

• A Bachelor's degree is required; extensive experience (5+ years) in multi-state payroll processing, with at least 3 years of experience in Workday payroll processing, including Workday Systems implementation
• Certified Payroll Professional preferred
• Proficiency in multi-state payroll laws
• Ability to collaborate effectively across organizational levels with excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment, with a willingness to learn, take on new projects and improve processes

Why Diversified?

• Work Environment: Let our culture speak for itself.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off programs including vacation, sick leave, and paid family and medical leave.
• Training & Development: From training conferences to professional development seminars, we invest in resources, including LinkedIn Learning for all staff, that empower employees to excel in their careers.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Inclusive benefits beyond traditional healthcare coverage, including no-cost-to-you services. Free access to all employees and their families to a national network of licensed clinical psychologists, interactive self-paced programs, life coaches, and 24/7 support.
• Wellness Benefits: Employees can earn credit towards their health insurance premiums by engaging in our Wellness Program, which supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being through fitness challenges, webinars, and nutrition education.

We are dedicated to creating, promoting, and nurturing a safe and inclusive work environment, and we expect the same from each of our employees. We value diverse talents and welcome individuals with unique backgrounds, working styles, and skillsets. We believe that our differences make us a better team and stronger community by allowing us to make better decisions, be more innovative, and better serve our customers and business partners. We invite you to learn more about us.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.