Compensation & Benefits Accounting Manager (32531)

Compensation & Benefits Accounting Manager

We’re looking for a Compensation & Benefits Accounting Manager to take ownership of the accounting behind one of the most important parts of the business: our people.

In this highly visible role, you’ll oversee payroll accounting, employee benefits, 401(k), commissions and bonuses, payroll accruals, multi-state payroll tax compliance, and equity compensation across a growing, multi-entity organization.

You’ll work closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Accounting leadership to ensure compensation-related expenses are accurate, well controlled, and clearly understood. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys owning complex processes, improving systems, and partnering across teams in a fast-growing environment.

Must be in Pacific Time Zone

What You’ll Accomplish

During your first year, you’ll help ensure:

Payroll, benefits, and 401(k) accounts are accurately reconciled each month with timely resolution of variances.

Commission and bonus accruals closely align with actual payouts.

New employees joining through acquisitions are successfully integrated into payroll and benefits processes.

Federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements are completed accurately and on time.

Annual 401(k) administration and audits are completed efficiently and with strong supporting documentation.

Compensation-related accounting processes are scalable, well documented, and ready to support continued growth.

What You’ll Do

Payroll Accounting

Own payroll accounting across multiple entities, including payroll journal entries, reconciliations, and related general ledger activity.

Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and bank activity each pay cycle.

Research and resolve payroll variances in partnership with HR and Payroll.

Review off-cycle payments, terminations, retroactive adjustments, and other payroll activity for proper accounting treatment.

Help strengthen payroll-related processes and internal controls.

Benefits & 401(k)

Manage accounting for employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA/FSA, and other benefit plans.

Reconcile benefit carrier invoices to employee enrollment records and the general ledger.

Oversee 401(k) accounting, including employee contributions, employer match, safe-harbor contributions, true-ups, and plan remittances.

Support annual 401(k) administration, nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 preparation, and benefit plan audits.

Commissions & Bonus Accounting

Prepare and reconcile commission and bonus accruals, including sales incentives, producer/advisor compensation, discretionary bonuses, and retention programs.

Partner with HR, Sales, and Finance on incentive compensation plans, payout calculations, and related controls.

Apply appropriate accounting guidance to eligible contract acquisition costs, including ASC 340-40 where applicable.

Month-End Close & Accruals

Prepare month-end accruals for payroll, commissions, bonuses, PTO, payroll taxes, benefits, and other compensation-related expenses.

Maintain supporting schedules and documentation for compensation-related balance sheet accounts.

Ensure accurate and timely completion of assigned close activities.

Multi-State Payroll Tax Compliance

Oversee federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance, including withholding, unemployment taxes, and required quarterly and annual filings.

Monitor payroll tax requirements as employees work across multiple states.

Coordinate state registrations and assist with resolving payroll tax notices and discrepancies.

Review year-end W-2 reporting and reconcile payroll reporting to the general ledger.

Equity Compensation Accounting

Support accounting for equity and equity-like compensation programs under ASC 718.

Maintain accurate grant and award records, including valuation inputs, expense recognition, vesting, and forfeitures.

Partner with Legal, HR, Finance, and outside advisors on new awards, valuations, and plan changes.

Reporting & Analysis

Prepare monthly variance and flux analysis for compensation and benefits expenses and related balance sheet accounts.

Clearly communicate key drivers and unusual activity to Accounting and Finance leadership.

Support headcount and compensation reporting used for budgeting and forecasting.

Assist with compensation modeling, benefits renewals, audits, due diligence, and other special projects.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in payroll, benefits, compensation accounting, or a related accounting function.

Experience supporting multi-state payroll and payroll tax compliance.

Hands-on experience with commission and bonus accruals, 401(k) accounting, and employee benefit accounting.

Experience working with a major payroll platform such as ADP, Paylocity, Rippling, or a similar system.

Strong understanding of month-end close, reconciliations, accruals, and general ledger accounting.

Working knowledge of ASC 718 equity compensation accounting.

Strong Excel skills and comfort working with large or complex data sets.

Excellent attention to detail and discretion when handling confidential employee and compensation information.

Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and other business partners.

Experience That Would Be a Plus

CPA, CPP, or similar professional certification.

Experience with NetSuite or another large ERP platform.

Experience in financial services, wealth management, insurance, professional services, or another multi-entity environment.

Experience within a private equity-backed, acquisitive, or rapidly growing organization.

Experience supporting payroll and benefits integrations following acquisitions.

Familiarity with ASC 340-40, ASC 805 compensation considerations, profits interests, incentive units, or similar compensation structures.

Experience with commission management platforms, HRIS integrations, or payroll system implementations.

Why Join

You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of a critical accounting function while working closely with leaders across Accounting, Finance, HR, and Payroll. The role offers a combination of technical accounting, operational ownership, cross-functional partnership, and process improvement in a growing organization.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with 5% employer match

Opportunity to play a meaningful role in building and improving processes within a growing organization

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