DescriptionCompensation TransparencySalary: $120,000-$130,000 + 10% Bonus PotentialJob Summary We're looking for a Compensation & Benefits Accounting Manager to own the accounting for everything we pay our people. You'll manage payroll accounting, benefits and 401(k), commissions and bonuses, payroll accruals, multi-state payroll tax compliance, and equity compensation across a growing group of entities. You'll partner closely with HR, Payroll, and the Senior Accounting Operations Manager to keep people costs accurate, well-controlled, and clearly explained.
What Success Looks Like in the First Year
- Payroll, benefits, and 401(k) accounts are reconciled every month with no unexplained variances.
- Commission and bonus accruals land within an agreed tolerance of actual payouts.
- Every acquired firm's employees move onto Earned payroll and benefits within the integration window.
- Payroll tax filings are on time in every state, and the 401(k) plan audit closes with no significant findings.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Accounting
- Own payroll accounting across all entities, including payroll journal entries in NetSuite and reconciliation of all payroll liability accounts.
- Reconcile payroll provider registers to the GL and bank activity each pay cycle, and resolve variances with HR and Payroll.
- Review off-cycle payments, terminations, and retro adjustments for correct accounting treatment.
Benefits & 401(k)
- Account for employee benefits, including medical, dental, life, disability, HSA/FSA, and other plans. Reconcile carrier invoices to enrollment and the GL.
- Manage 401(k) accounting: employee deferrals, employer match and safe-harbor contributions, true-ups, and timely remittance to the plan.
- Support annual 401(k) plan administration, including nondiscrimination testing data, Form 5500 support, and the employee benefit plan audit.
Commissions & Bonus Accounting
- Accrue, and reconcile commissions and bonuses, including advisor and producer compensation, sales incentives, and discretionary and retention bonuses.
- Partner with HR, Sales, and Finance on plan design, payout calculations, and controls over incentive compensation.
- Apply ASC 340-40 to capitalize and amortize incremental costs of obtaining contracts, where applicable.
Payroll Accruals & Close
- Prepare month-end accruals for payroll, bonuses, commissions, PTO, payroll taxes, and benefits.
- Maintain close schedules and supporting documentation for all compensation-related balance sheet accounts.
Multi-State Payroll Tax Compliance
- Oversee federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance, including withholding, unemployment (SUI/FUTA), and quarterly and annual filings.
- Monitor state registration and nexus as employees work remotely across states, and resolve payroll tax notices.
- Review year-end W-2 reporting and reconcile it to payroll and the GL.
Equity Compensation Accounting
- Account for equity and equity-like awards under ASC 718, such as profits interests, incentive units, or phantom equity. This includes grant tracking, valuation inputs, expense recognition, and forfeitures.
- Maintain the equity award ledger, and partner with Legal, HR, and valuation advisors on new grants and plan changes.
Flux Analysis & Ad-Hoc Support
- Prepare monthly flux analysis on compensation and benefits expense and related balance sheet accounts, with clear explanations of the drivers.
- Support headcount and compensation cost reporting for budgeting, forecasting, and leadership.
- Handle ad-hoc analyses and projects, such as compensation plan modeling, benefits renewals, and audit and diligence requests.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
- 5+ years of payroll, benefits, and compensation accounting experience, including multi-state payroll tax compliance.
- Hands-on experience with commission and bonus accruals, 401(k) accounting, and benefit plan audits.
- 3+ years of hands-on NetSuite experience, including payroll journal imports and reconciliations.
- Working knowledge of ASC 718 equity compensation accounting.
- Experience with at least one major payroll platform (ADP, Paylocity, Rippling, or similar).
- Advanced Excel skills and strong attention to detail with confidential data.
Preferred Requirements
- CPA or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).
- Experience in financial services, wealth management/RIA, insurance brokerage, or professional services.
- Experience at a PE-backed or acquisitive company, including payroll and benefits integrations.
- Familiarity with ASC 340-40, ASC 805 compensation considerations, and profits interest or incentive unit plans.
- Experience with commission management tools and HRIS integrations.
Benefits
- An attractive total compensation package
- Employer-sponsored health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401k + 5% match
