Payroll Operations Accountant

Our values define us and our culture inspires us to change lives for the better. Our employees are the heart and soul of our company, and every success we experience begins with them. Together we are committed to making a positive impact in our local communities. We champion a culture of continuous learning, work-life integration, and inclusion. We promote a digitally enabled work environment to continuously enhance the experience of our employees and customers.

This is a full-time, hybrid career opportunity based out of our Corporate Headquarters location in Lancaster, PA.

The primary responsibilities of this role are to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, proper administration of payroll taxes, garnishments and other related employee benefit payments, and the accurate integration of payroll data into the general ledger. Working in accordance with HR policies and payroll regulations, the incumbent will collaborate with internal partners in Employee Services, Corporate Accounting Partners and HR Information Systems, and will serve as the primary point of contact for the organization's third-party managed payroll provider to support compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment across related processes and systems.

Validate, verify and analyze payroll processing inputs and outputs, and provide approvals to finalize payroll & ensure compliance with payroll tax laws. Identify, analyze and carry out corrective measures for inconsistences using thorough knowledge of payroll processing procedures, payroll systems, and relevant law.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness and timeliness of payroll processing, monthly, quarterly and annual payroll tax returns, and multi-jurisdictional tax compliance. Coordinate and oversee the preparation, validation and distribution of W-2s and 1099 forms.
• Prepare accounting entries for posting to the general ledger and vouchers or ACH files for direct deposits, the payment of taxes, garnishments and other disbursements; prepare accruals and/or analysis for commissions, performance incentives, paid time off, bonuses, severance, variable compensation, restricted stock, BYOD programs, and additional employee perquisites.
• Produce ad hoc payroll and payroll tax analyses and reporting; establishing, monitoring and adhering to SOX controls; provide support for GL and deposit account reconciliations, including direction to resolve outstanding reconciling items; provide reporting and analysis for budgeting and forecasting processes. Review and enforce IRS tax withholding notices.
• Collaborate with third party-managed service provider on efficient procedures and operational process improvements; provide input on business strategy associated with the payroll function; collaborate with internal departments and third party-managed payroll provider for system upgrades and technology process improvements and efficiencies.
• Administer equity and incentive-based compensation in coordination with HR and Legal

• Lead effective conversion of acquired, merged or divested entity payrolls.

Associate Degree or the equivalent experience. Specialty: Accounting, Finance, General Business, Human Resources. (Required)

Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent experience. Specialty: Accounting, Finance, General Business, Human Resources. (Preferred)

5 or more years payroll administration, processing, reconciliation and tax reporting in multi-state environment. (Required)

3 or more years General Ledger experience in preparing and posting accrual entries. (Required)

3 or more years experience analyzing payroll-related financial data for accuracy and reconciling accounts. (Required)

3 or more years experience utilizing UKG or other payroll systems and HRIS software. (Preferred)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). (Preferred)

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). (Preferred)

• Strong knowledge of common payroll processing best practices, including complex overtime and pay differential rules (Required)
• Advanced knowledge of multi-state payroll tax requirements, including tax registration (Required)
• Ability to understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with complex governing payroll and payroll tax laws (Required)
• Able to demonstrate general accounting knowledge - preparation of journal entries, completing variance analysis, providing support for budget and planning processes, and completing reconciliations using multi-system data points (Required)
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to independently prioritize work according to established standards, and to analyze and execute corrective actions when necessary (Required)
• Problem solving skills and strong attention to detail with ability to manage to time-sensitive deadlines & processing urgency; exhibits exceptional degree of confidentiality (Required)
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills (Required)
• Elevated proficiency in computer applications, such as Microsoft Office products, with an emphasis on Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel (Required)

This role may perform other job duties as assigned by the manager. Each employee of the Organization, regardless of position, is accountable for reading, understanding and acting on the contents of all Company-assigned and/or job related Compliance Programs, regulations and policies and procedures, as well as ensure that all Compliance Training assignments are completed by established due dates. This includes but is not limited to, understanding and identifying compliance risks impacting their department(s), ensuring compliance with applicable laws or regulations, and escalating compliance risks to the appropriate level of management.

To provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base salary ranges on all job postings regardless of state. We set standard salary ranges for our roles based on the position, function, and responsibilities, as benchmarked against similarly sized companies in our industry. Specific compensation offered will be determined based on a combination of factors including the candidate's knowledge, skills, depth of work experience, and relevant licenses/credentials. The salary range may vary based on geographic location.

The salary range for this position is $70,600.00 - $117,700.00 annually.

Additional Compensation Components

This job is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive compensation plan subject to individual and company performance.

Additionally, as part of our Total Rewards program, Fulton Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package to those who qualify. This includes medical plans with prescription drug coverage; flexible spending account or health savings account depending on the medical plan chosen; dental and vision insurance; life insurance; 401(k) program with employer match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan; paid time off programs including holiday pay and paid volunteer time; disability insurance coverage and maternity and parental leave; adoption assistance; educational assistance and a robust wellness program with financial incentives. To learn more about your potential eligibility for these programs, please visit Benefits & Wellness | Fulton Bank.

As a condition of employment, individuals must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa by Fulton Bank currently or in the future.