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 variou