Payroll Accountant

 Title:                                    Payroll Accountant

Department:                   Corporate Operations – Accounting & Finance

Reports to:                      V.P., Corporate Controller

Location:                          Madison, WI

FLSA Status:                  Exempt

Compensation:             $80,000 - $110,000

Company Overview:

OneEnergy’s mission is to make clean energy the #1 source of electricity for consumers and utilities. We develop solar energy projects across the United States in community solar, distributed generation, and large utility scale project segments. Our diverse project pipeline, multiple locations across the US, and unique multidisciplined team sets us apart. 

We are a dynamic and innovative renewable energy industry company dedicated to developing and deploying utility scale solar and community solar facilities. We are committed to excellence, collaboration, and driving positive change in our industry.  

Position Objective:

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the complete management of OneEnergy’s payroll operations, ensuring the accurate and timely payment of all employees. OneEnergy’s payroll operations encompasses ownership and execution of OneEnergy’s payroll systems, payroll processes, prevailing wage work, payroll compliance, and payroll general ledger accounting. This role requires an individual who can meticulously handle the operational tasks of processing payroll, while at the same time drive payroll compliance, own continuous payroll systems and process enhancements, and participate in payroll general ledger accounting. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is adept at managing change.

• Process Payroll: Accurately process multi-state, bi-weekly and monthly payroll for all employees (salaried and hourly) using the company’s payroll system.
• Data Management: Ensure accuracy of payroll-related data, including but not limited to new hires, terminations, rate changes, bonuses, deductions (e.g., benefits, 401(k), tax withholdings), and paid parental leave. Manage and maintain federal and state payroll identification numbers (e.g. state income tax withholding ID, state unemployment tax account ID, etc.)
• Systems: Own the management, maintenance, and enhancements of the payroll system, collaborating with HR when needed. Ensure consistently leveraging payroll system to create efficiencies and improve processes. Support new HRIS and payroll system implementation.
• Time & Attendance: Review and audit employee timekeeping records and system input to ensure compliance with company policy and federal/state labor regarding employee work hours, breaks, and time off, which is vital for accurate payroll, avoiding legal penalties such as back pay and fines, and fostering a transparent workplace.
• HR Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for HR inquiries regarding payroll questions, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Compliance: Maintain in-depth knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and payroll tax laws.
• General Ledger Reconciliation: Prepare and post payroll related journal entries to the general ledger, including entries for wages, taxes, benefits, capitalized labor, and accruals (e.g. PTO, bonuses).
• Account Reconciliation: Perform period end reconciliations of all payroll related general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.
• Tax Filings: Ensure the timely and accurate filing of all federal, state, and local payroll tax reports with third party payroll system (i.e. quarterly Form 941, annual form 940, W-2’s, etc.)
• Audit Support: Participate in external audits by providing necessary documentation, schedules, and explanations for payroll-related data and financial accounts.
• Prevailing Wage for Delivery Projects:
  • Support in reviewing contractor provided prevailing wage and apprenticeship documentation to comply with Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements on solar projects.
  • Audit certified payroll reports, raw wage data from the reports, and apprenticeship to journeymen daily compliance for solar projects in multiple states.
  • Audit apprenticeship rate agreements and program requirements for confirming and configuring wage compliance software programs to filter compliant payroll data.
  • Own 3rdparty corporate accounting consultant audits of prevailing wage and apprenticeship data from multiple solar projects for various project owners
  • Own and drive business case for internal certified payroll reporting. Own and implement systems and process updates to support this workflow, to ensure compliance with prevailing wage certified payroll and related reporting.
• Perform ad hoc work: Support the accounting team on accounting items and projects as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive experience in executing full-cycle multi-state payroll, combined with general accounting responsibilities.
• Proficiency in payroll/HRIS systems, such as Rippling, and ERP systems, such as Sage Intacct or NetSuite.
• Strong understanding of GAAP as they related to payroll and benefits.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with contributing to financial statement audits.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with integrity and discretion.
• Proactive and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to clearly communicate problems and identify possible resolutions.
• Ability to leverage excel to analyze data, identify variances, and troubleshoot complex issues to enable problem-solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interactions within the accounting team, cross functionally with the HR team and Operations team, and third-party vendors and auditors.
• Must have the ability to demonstrate a high degree of time management and organizational skills resulting in the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at various stages of delivery with competing deadlines.
• Apply a systems mindset to own workflow, across the accounting function, and cross-functionally.
• Fulfills job responsibilities with a customer-focused mindset by providing efficient, timely, and reliable service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Must be self-motivated and enjoy a team-oriented approach to work, contributing to a supportive, collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Must have a “roll up your sleeves and let’s get the job done right” type attitude.
• Comfortable operating in a hybrid, remote, and in-person team environment.
• High proficiency in Office 365 skills, particularly in Excel, required.
• Prevailing Wage requirements:
• Understanding of prevailing wage determinations and reporting for federal, state, or renewable energy projects.
• Experience with LCP Tracker or other wage reporting and compliance software programs.
• Experience with certified payroll requirements, and compliance with prevailing wages by construction trades in multiple states.
• Experience with apprenticeship and trade rate agreements in the electrical, laborer, equipment operator, carpenter, and/or other construction trades.
• Familiarity with union wage and apprenticeship agreements.

OneEnergy’s compensation packages are dependent on an array of factors including, but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, geographic location, and other organizational needs. We provide generous Paid Time Off (six weeks/year), paid paternity leave and an impactful Volunteer Time Off Program. We offer robust employee benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, 401(k) matching retirement plan, life insurance, wellness incentives, and more.

We recognize an equitable energy transition requires the participation of diverse communities, groups, and institutions. OneEnergy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or handicap, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.