The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll and selected accounting functions for the Head Start program. This position supports fiscal integrity by maintaining payroll systems, accounts payable and receivable processes, grant transaction tracking, in-kind contribution reporting, and inventory records. The Payroll Accountant ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and internal fiscal policies. Responsibilities • Payroll/accounting analysis, reconciliations, journal entries, and audit support. • Interpret policy regulations and make judgment calls beyond routine payroll systems and processes. • Process ownership and internal control responsibility. • Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on schedule. • Ensure adherence to policies and procedures and compliance with federal, state, and Montana payroll laws. • Calculate wages and deductions. • Process payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, leaves, and pay adjustments. • Process wage garnishments and notify employees of incoming garnishments. • Maintain payroll records in accordance with record retention requirements. Requirements • A minimum of an associate’s degree in education or coursework in a Business, Finance or Accounting related field (Required). • One year of experience in payroll and accounting functions. • Strong knowledge of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes. • Familiarity with grant accounting and in-kind contribution tracking. • Proficiency in accounting and payroll software systems. • Advanced Excel and reconciliation skills. • High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail. • Must pass criminal background checks as required by Head Start regulations • Must maintain strict confidentiality of employee and financial information

• Oversee and execute end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate payroll runs. • Ensure compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements in supported jurisdictions. • Ensure accurate calculations for statutory deductions, benefits, and remittances. • Conduct regular payroll reconciliations, audits, and compliance checks. • Stay updated on changes in payroll legislation and implement necessary adjustments. • Lead the onboarding and implementation of payroll solutions for both new and transitioning German clients, including implementation in our internal Blue Ocean system and DATEV. • Advise clients on payroll best practices, configurations, and process optimizations. • Troubleshoot payroll issues and ensure timely and accurate resolutions. • Collaborate with internal teams (HR, Finance, Implementation) to align payroll processes with overall business needs. • Identify inefficiencies in payroll operations and recommend improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency. • Support payroll automation initiatives and system enhancements in collaboration with IT and product teams. • Develop and maintain payroll documentation, SOPs, and training materials. • Serve as a trusted advisor for payroll-related inquiries from internal stakeholders and clients. • Deliver training sessions on payroll systems, compliance, and process usage. • Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for payroll-related audits, coordinating with internal stakeholders, external auditors, and relevant authorities, and ensuring timely and accurate documentation and responses. Accompany and support audit processes to ensure full compliance and resolution of findings. • Work closely with external partners, including payroll vendors and relevant authorities or agencies.

• Serve as primary HRIS lead for Oracle HCM Cloud Payroll and UKG Time & Attendance / WFM • Configure earnings, deductions, taxes, balances, elements, eligibility rules, and costing structures • Maintain pay groups, payroll calendars, retroactivity, and absence/pay interaction rules • Support payroll processing cycles, audits, and reconciliations • Troubleshoot payroll calculation errors, interface failures, and time-to-pay discrepancies • Works with Payroll and departments to identify new opportunities and rollout new functionalities. • Maintain pay codes, work rules, accruals, and labor levels • Support timecard processing, pay rule configuration, and scheduling integration • Manage punch interpretation and pay calculation logic • Support upgrades, patches, and configuration migrations • Partner with operations to improve time capture accuracy and compliance • Maintains detailed knowledge of UKG product suite with an awareness of opportunities to expand solutions and services. • Responsible for managing UKG Pro Workforce Management integration with payroll and other analytics systems. • Configures and maintains business structures, data views, control center, timekeeping, user access, pay rules, basic scheduling, absence management and accruals. • Partner with UKG and IT to support the troubleshooting of time clocks and configurations. • Works with leaders and end-users to create data views and reports to improve productivity. • Works with HR and departments to identify new opportunities and rollout new functionalities.

• Support our clients by managing and processing retirement plan payroll contributions. • Maintain accuracy, communicate clearly with clients, and keep pace with deadlines. • Access and download payroll reports from various providers. • Import, review, and validate payroll data in internal systems. • Prepare and submit contribution files to multiple recordkeepers. • Communicate payroll summaries and confirmations to clients. • Respond to client questions regarding payroll processing. • Update employee deferral elections and automatic enrollment settings in payroll systems. • Generate custom reports as needed. • Provide backup support to other team members and assist with special projects. • Other duties as assigned.