Payroll Accountant

We are looking for a Payroll Accountant to join the Finance team in New York, New York in a Contract to Permanent capacity. This position will oversee complete payroll administration while contributing to day-to-day accounting operations and financial close activities. The ideal candidate brings strong accuracy, sound judgment, and working knowledge of payroll regulations to help ensure timely employee payments and reliable financial reporting.Responsibilities:• Manage biweekly payroll processing from data review through final submission, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule.• Prepare, validate, and transmit payroll deduction files securely to external benefit and payment providers.• Maintain organized payroll records, monitor benefit deductions, and update supporting documentation for employee compensation changes.• Review payroll tax obligations across federal, state, and local jurisdictions to support ongoing compliance and timely reporting.• Reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger and investigate variances to keep financial records accurate.• Complete quarterly payroll tax reconciliations, including support for Form 941 reporting requirements.• Coordinate year-end payroll tasks such as wage reconciliation and W-2 preparation.• Record payroll-related journal entries and assist with month-end and year-end accounting close processes.• Support internal and external audit requests and respond to payroll questions from employees and business partners.• Partner with Human Resources to reflect employee updates, compensation changes, and benefit adjustments within payroll records.• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline.• At least 2 years of experience in payroll, accounting, or a combination of both.• Demonstrated experience handling full-cycle payroll in a multi-state environment.• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and familiarity with Great Plains or a comparable accounting system.• Knowledge of payroll tax reporting requirements and applicable wage and hour regulations.• Strong Excel skills with the ability to analyze, reconcile, and organize payroll data efficiently.• High level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail when working with sensitive financial information.Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.