Staff Accountant, Payroll

The Role

Xos is seeking a dynamic Staff Accountant, Payroll, who excels at ensuring accurate payroll processing while navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local regulations. As a key member of our Finance and Accounting Team, you'll play an integral role in managing payroll operations and supporting our financial integrity.

In this role, you'll be the driving force behind our payroll processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy across all aspects. From processing payroll to compiling comprehensive payroll data and generating insightful reports, your expertise will be critical to our success. You'll also support the broader accounting function, handling payroll-related journal entries, audits, various month-end close activities, and financial reporting. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong payroll expertise, exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing & Compliance
  • Process payroll using HRIS (Rippling), ensuring accurate calculation of wages, salaries, hours worked, paid leave, holiday pay, compensatory time, and overtime.
  • Compile payroll data, including insurance deductions, vacation time, 401(k) contributions, and other benefits.
  • Ensure accurate and timely processing of all payroll taxes, including federal, state, and local withholdings, FICA, FUTA, SUTA, and other applications.
  • Generate payroll records and reports for internal management and regulatory purposes.
  • Maintain accurate payroll records, including personnel files, timecards, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions.
  • Manage payroll-related inquiries and resolve employee concerns regarding pay discrepancies, deductions, and benefits.
  • Ensure compliance with HR policies and payroll regulations, implementing best practices to maintain payroll integrity.
  • Stay updated on payroll laws and regulations, and recommend process improvements.
• Accounting & Reporting
  • Prepare and process payroll-related journal entries in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Compile and analyze payroll data for internal management reports, providing insights and recommendations as needed.
  • Assist in the preparation of financial and payroll related audits under the direction of the VP of Finance.
  • Collaborate with People Operations and Finance teams to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Implement and maintain internal controls to ensure payroll accuracy and prevent errors.
  • Assist with quarter-end and year-end processing activities, including W-2 and 1099.
  • Prepare various month-end close reconciliations and close areas.
  • Ad hoc special projects.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven experience, preferably 3+ years, in payroll processing and accounting.
• Multi-state payroll processing experience preferred.
• Bachelor's of Accounting or similar field.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, tax regulations, and accounting principles.
• Proficiency in payroll and ERP software systems (Rippling HRIS, Netsuite preferred).
• Proficient in Google Suite and Excel.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary role that requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and attending virtual or in-person meetings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employees may experience extended screen time and are frequently required to speak or listen. Minimal physical exertion, through occasional movement within the office may be required.