Senior Accountant - Payroll AccountingAbout the Role
We are seeking a detail-driven and experienced Senior Accountant - Payroll Accounting to join our team. In this high-impact role, you will own key aspects of payroll accounting and financial reporting in a large, complex environment. You'll work cross-functionally with Payroll, HR, and Finance to ensure accurate reporting, maintain compliance, and continuously improve processes.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with data, and wants to play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of payroll-related financials.
What You'll Do
Prepare and post accurate payroll-related journal entries to the general ledger
Perform detailed reconciliations of payroll accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, accruals)
Manage month-end and year-end close activities, including accruals and supporting schedules
Review payroll tax filings and support year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s)
Analyze payroll transactions, trends, and variances; investigate and resolve discrepancies
Ensure compliance with GAAP, payroll tax regulations, and internal policies
Partner with HR, Payroll, and other teams to resolve issues and improve processes
Prepare reports and reconciliations that support financial reporting and decision-making
Assist with audits (internal, external, and regulatory) by providing documentation and insights
Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and system enhancements
Stay up to date on accounting standards and regulatory changes impacting payroll
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
5-7 years of payroll accounting or related experience
Strong knowledge of GAAP and payroll accounting principles
In-depth understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance
Experience in a large or multi-state payroll environment (highly valued)
Proficiency with payroll platforms (UKG, ADP, Workday, or similar)
Advanced Excel skills (data analysis, reconciliations, reporting)
Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Nice to Have
Experience with payroll process improvements or automation initiatives
Knowledge of internal controls related to payroll and financial reporting
Ability to serve as a subject matter expert for payroll accounting processes
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume payroll environment
Why Join Us
Make an impact: Play a key role in ensuring accurate payroll financials for a large organization
Collaborative environment: Work closely with Finance, HR, Payroll, and leadership
Growth opportunities: Get exposure to system improvements, automation, and process optimization
Dynamic work: Engage in meaningful, analytical work that drives business decisions
Work Environment
This is an office-based role with regular collaboration across departments and interaction with auditors and stakeholders. You'll work extensively with accounting systems, payroll platforms, and Excel in a professional, detail-oriented environment.
While standard business hours apply, additional time may be required during peak periods such as month-end, year-end, and audit cycles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $52.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
