Senior Payroll Accountant

Job Description

This full-time position is hybrid based at Western Digital’s offices in Milpitas, California

We are seeking a highly experienced and self-driven accounting professional with a background in payroll. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively execute in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving business environment and possess excellent attention to detail. The Senior Payroll Accountant will report to the Senior Accounting Manager and will play a critical role in managing the Company’s US payroll accounts, including payroll related benefits, payroll taxes, and the month-end close & reconciliation process. This position will make key contributions by partnering with other functions, such as human resources, to ensure our payroll accounts are maintained appropriately. This role will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with established internal controls and prepare supporting audit schedules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform all US payroll and payroll tax journal entries, including accounting for areas such as 401(k), deferred compensation, medical benefits, bonuses, and ESPP
• Prepare payroll & related account reconciliations on a monthly basis and ensure outstanding reconciling items are cleared on a timely basis
• Partner with other functions, such as human resources, stock plan administration, benefits, and provide guidance regarding payroll accounting matters
• Support new business or benefit plan initiatives and implement relevant new processes
• Support accounting team in month-end / quarter-end close process
• Prepare month-end payroll close presentation and related reporting activities
• Prepare and establish formal monthly and quarterly fluctuation analysis for compensation accounts
• Develop, enhance or maintain an effective internal control environment in various aspects of payroll accounting
• General understanding of terms related to payroll including garnishments, benefits, leave of absence, 401k, FSA and taxes
• Be proactive in providing recommendations regarding process improvements, improved productivity, service quality, increased internal controls and cost saving measures; and implement such approved measures
• Perform other related duties or ad hoc projects
• Work with external auditors during quarterly, interim and annual audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5+ years of payroll and general ledger accounting experience, preferably in a global publicly-traded company
• Proficiency in federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations
• Working knowledge of US GAAP and proficiency with Sarbanes-Oxley internal control compliance
• Experience working with global financial systems, preferably Oracle and SAP
• Thorough understanding of payroll systems, preferably Ceridian and ADP
• Extensive knowledge and use of Microsoft Excel and PowerBI
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and a good team player to solve problems and work with colleagues globally
• Must have the ability to execute multiple tasks, while remaining detail oriented with high commitment to quality, and able to adhere to strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships across the organization
• Passion in managing implementation of technology and executing process improvements