Payroll Tax Accountant

Payroll Tax Accountant
APEI

The Payroll Tax Accountant is responsible for accuracy, maintenance, and compliance for all payroll taxes to support APEI and its entities in multi-state and federal payroll filings. They are responsible for the oversight of third-party tax service provider, as well as any research, tax filing or payment that falls outside the scope of those services. The Payroll Tax Accountant works with the Accounting Department to resolve reconciling items monthly, as well as quarterly and annual reconciliation.

Responsibilities: 

• Complete periodic, monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliation of payroll transactions and tax payments
  
• Research and resolve current and historical reconciling items on the payroll tax clearing and general payroll clearing accounts
  
• Communicate with local, state, and federal agencies to support reconciliation and resolution to payroll tax items.
  
• Manage amendments to tax returns and resolve notices or discrepancies issued by tax authorities.
  
• Provide regular updates to Payroll and HR leadership regarding upcoming changes to tax laws and compliance
  
• Partner with Accounting teams to support reconciling item process.
  
• Participate in monthly payroll close with Finance and Accounting, including banking transactions, coding of invoices as related to payroll and tax reconciliation
  
• Support Stock Vestings with tax calculations and updates and in coordination with Finance and Legal teams to support quick turnaround requirements for Sec 16 Form 4 filings.
  
• Conduct regular audits to ensure employee and employer tax withholdings are accurate
  
• Register with new jurisdictions as required; ensure systems are updated with proper account information, and establish online access for company and other users
  
• Annual updates for Unemployment rates in both ADP and UKG to ensure proper expenses are reflected
  
• Analyze payroll tax data for trends, discrepancies, or opportunities for process improvements
  
• Updates on best practices, policies, and procedures as related to the payroll and tax functions
• Develop and modify SOPs to reflect changes as warranted
• Participate in annual narrative and audit reviews to support SOX compliance.
• Coordinate and independently develop payroll tax audits and projects to ensure compliance
• Participate in system testing and development of new features with the larger Payroll and HR Systems teams
• Process changes in UKG system, both at company and employee level, as needed for corrections and adjustments; provide detailed explanation to payroll and accounting team for supporting documents
• Special projects as assigned.

 Requirements: 

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel
• Positive, proactive work ethic and attitude
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple teams and multiple levels of leadership
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• In-depth understanding of tax regulations, including multi-state and local taxes.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a multiple state or nationwide payroll
• Minimum 3 years’ experience with payroll tax and accounting
• Experience with Ultimate Software preferred
• Experience with ADP Tax services preferred

 Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance 
• FPC or CPP Certification

About Us:

Online, on campus and in the workplace, we provide higher education and training to our country’s heroes – military service members, veterans, nurses, government employees, and motivated professionals that want to make a difference. American Public Education, Inc. educates service-minded students, ranging from the military, public service, federal agencies, and nursing communities, through American Public University System (APUS), Hondros College of Nursing (HCON), and Rasmussen University.

It is the policy of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons.  We treat all qualified individuals equally as to their recruitment, hiring, assignments, advancements, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. American Public Education, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national