Accountant I - Tax/Payroll

Position Details

Position Location: Dearborn, MI
Department: Accounting
Reports To:  Manager, Tax
Job Classification: Hybrid
FLSA Status: Professional
Job Band:  Exempt

Summary

 The Accountant – Tax and Payroll is a unique hybrid role that shares responsibilities between the Tax and Payroll functions.  The role will act as a strong support to senior level team members to ensure assigned activities are completed accurately and timely.

Responsibilities will include the support of payroll processing for associates across multiple states including reconciling timecards, following-up on missing data, reconciling benefits with deductions, process various data imports, and complete payroll reporting and audit duties.  Supporting remittance and reconciliation of federal, state and local taxes for all US payroll as well as the preparation and payments for property tax, sales and use tax and other corporate taxes returns. Gathering data to respond to audit requests from federal, state and local tax authorities and supporting retail store openings through registering for business licenses in new states and localities.

We are All Leaders at Carhartt

 In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

Responsibilities

Corporate Tax Responsibilities

• Manage monthly sales and use tax return processing with 3rd party to ensure accurate data is presented and issues are identified and resolved timely for filing.
• Prepare property tax returns for 40+ states and localities and ensure accurate and timely payment of quarterly liabilities related to returns.
• Gather data to support audit requests from federal, state, and local tax authorities to ensure timely and accurate response with the best possible outcome for Carhartt.
• Support month-end close reconciliation process
• Manage annual business license renewal process, including payments.
• Support Retail store opening with business registrations and other necessary license filings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Payroll Responsibilities

• Processing of weekly and/or biweekly payrolls (e.g. salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, on-demand checks, benefits, tax withholdings, deductions, garnishments, child support, etc.).  Auditing wages computed to ensure accuracy and correcting errors to ensure accuracy of payroll.  Balancing annual W-2 forms for all payrolls. 
• Prepare, audit and remit weekly files to third-party providers or vendors (e.g. 401(k), Health Savings Account, etc.).
• Monitor and analyze payroll tax and legislation compliance, including research and set up for new states/localities within the payroll system and government agencies.  Develop and recommend policy or process changes as appropriate.
• Work closely with the HR department to process payroll-specific records maintenance (changes in wage/salary rates; insurance, mandatory deductions; new hires, transfers, terminations, leave of absences, etc.).
• Analyze payroll issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide satisfaction of all internal and external customers with the quality and timeliness of all services provided, including responding to and resolving payroll issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience required in Accounting/Finance or Related Field

Required Skills and Experience

  1 year of experience in accounting, tax and/or payroll 

•    Proficient in use of Excel 

•    Knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations and procedures, including federal, state and local tax filing and remittance procedures preferred

•    Knowledge of applicable state and federal payroll and related tax regulations, legislations and guidelines including but not limited to: writs of garnishment, child support, levies, and labor and employment laws preferred

•    Knowledge of general tax principles, with any experience in sales/use tax or property taxes preferred

•    Experience with payroll processing systems/software preferred

•    Strong written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels including management.

•    High level of professional maturity with the ability to handle confidential si