Payroll & Benefits Accountant

Eagle Rock Properties, headquartered in New York, is a full-service real estate firm offering investment management, property management, and construction management services. With a team of over 275 professionals, we specialize in rental apartment communities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Under the leadership of our executives- who have owned and managed properties for more than 30 years- Eagle Rock Properties has emerged as a pioneering force in the industry.

The Payroll & Benefits Accountant is responsible for the accounting, reconciliation, and financial reporting of payroll and employee benefit activity across approximately 70 entities within a real estate management organization.

This is an accounting-focused position with significant responsibility for ensuring payroll expenses, taxes, employee deductions, benefits, accruals, and related liabilities are accurately recorded and reconciled in the general ledger. The Payroll & Benefits Accountant will play an important role in the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and will work closely with Payroll, Human Resources, and Finance to maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll-related financial information.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accountant who enjoys working in a multi-entity environment, can independently investigate and resolve discrepancies, and has a strong understanding of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and payroll and benefits activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, record, and reconcile payroll journal entries, including wages, taxes, deductions, accruals, and employer-paid benefits.
• Analyze and reconcile payroll, benefits, and related balance sheet and expense accounts on a monthly basis for multiple entities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate financial reports and schedules related to payroll and employee benefits.
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including intercompany journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Collaborate with the Payroll team to ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in a timely, and resolve payroll-related discrepancies.
• Partner with Human Resources to support the accounting and administration of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and other benefit offerings.
• Ensure payroll and benefits accounting complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording and payment of payroll tax liabilities.
• Prepare documentation and schedules to support internal audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and benefits accounting processes and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Three or more years of accounting experience, preferably including payroll accounting, benefits accounting, or payroll administration.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and payroll accounting.
• Experience with payroll systems and ERP/accounting software preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PIVOT tables.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Eagle Rock Properties provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.