Payroll Specialist

Arcata Associates is actively seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Payroll Accountant with extensive hands-on payroll experience. This role requires a professional who is well-versed in managing complex, multi-state payroll processes and can ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in payroll operations and thrive both independently and as part of a collaborative team supporting employees across multiple locations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

Payroll

• Imports weekly hours from timesheet system and / or labor files into payroll system.
• Enters data for new employees, terminating employees, salary changes, benefit changes, etc. based on information provided by HR on the Employee Notice (EN) form.
• Prepares the Payroll Batch and reconciles to payroll register.
• Transmits payroll to the outside payroll processing provider and verifies payroll reports.
• Verifies the payroll reports after receipt from the outside payroll processing provider.
• Interfaces with the outside payroll processing provider to resolve any problems concerning payroll reports to include employee pay and / or taxes and deductions.
• Answers employee questions related to calculation of their net pay and their time off balances.
• Calculates and prepares manual payroll checks as required.
• Processes wage garnishments.
• Manages Employee 401K deferrals and contributions.
• Keeps abreast of changes in wage and tax laws and changes in the processes required by the outside payroll processing provider.
• Verifies and balances payroll summaries, W-2 and quarterly 941 and state returns.
• Generates simple financial reports as directed by senior management.
• Prepare standard journal entries related to assigned functional responsibilities.

Accounts Payable

Qualifications :

Required : Must be able to pass extensive financial background check. Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.

Education : High School Graduate or High School Equivalency. Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration preferred.

Experience : Minimum three years of experience in processing labor distribution and payroll as well as accounts payable preparation. Experience in government contracting is preferred, along with a working knowledge of union payroll and benefits. At least three years of experience using Microsoft Excel at an intermediate to advanced level.

Core Competencies :

Work Environment, Physical and Mental Demands :

Typical office environment with no unusual hazards, prolonged sitting while using the computer and the telephone, constant use of sight abilities, constant use of speech / hearing abilities for communication, constant mental alertness. Ability to operate a computer to input and retrieve information and data. Ability to work flexible hours as required.

Arcata Associates is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact the Human Resources department at 702-642-9500 ext. 2.