Accountant - Payroll

Are you looking for an accounting opportunity at an innovative, vertically integrated, 100 percent employee-owned company that is growing? Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is seeking an Accountant (Payroll) to join our team and play a critical role in ensuring the timely and accurate processing of payroll while supporting financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement.

The ideal candidate combines strong accounting and payroll knowledge with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to excel in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

As an Accountant (Payroll), under direct supervision, you will: 

• Process multi-state payroll accurately and timely, in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.

• Review and audit payroll data, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and timekeeping records.

• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare payroll-related journal entries and account analyses.

• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities related to payroll accounting.

• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll-related reports and documentation.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations, as applicable.

• Assist with payroll system testing, implementations, process improvements, and compliance initiatives.

This job might be for you if you: 

• Have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.

• Have experience processing payroll and supporting payroll compliance activities.

• Demonstrate exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and analytical skills.

• Are proficient in Microsoft Excel and experienced with payroll, HRIS, and ERP systems.

• Take initiative, are self-motivated, and continuously seek opportunities to improve processes.

• Communicate clearly and professionally, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Can manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Have a working knowledge of accounting and finance principles, including GAAP, tax, and/or IFRS standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation.

• CPA, CMA, or CFA; or Master’s Degree in Finance or Accounting.

• Experience with multi-state or multi-national payroll processing.

• Experience with payroll tax reporting and compliance.

• Tax, audit, project, and/or cost accounting experience.

Location

Pullman, WA - This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy ​access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

• We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
• We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
• We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.  
• Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

Accountant: $76,100 – $112,400 per year. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

Communication with Applicants 

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [email protected].

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.