Payroll Accountant

The Payroll Accountant will manage and oversee the accounting for payroll distributions and allocations for 4 payroll entities within the real estate industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Texas payroll tax laws, withholdings, and other deductions such as medical, taxes, FSA, garnishments, and pre-tax deductions. This role ensures that all payroll processes are compliant, timely, and accurate, supporting our organization’s operations in accordance with both state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Payroll Accounting:
  • Process bi-monthly payroll journal entries on a timely basis
  • Calculate and record the monthly bonus related journal entries including recording adjustments to the general ledger when necessary.
  • Compile payroll related expenses annually to properly fringe applicable employees.
  • Monitor payment of and properly account for various executive compensation plans.
  • Reconcile all balance sheet related payroll accounts.
  • Assist with the annual audit regarding all payroll related items
• Payroll Budgets:
  • Coordinate the payroll budgeting process each budget cycle working closely with department heads and other payroll managers.
  • Ensure all budget worksheets are accurately updated and uploaded into the MRI Budgeting and Forecasting system.
  • Assist in quarterly payroll budget variance explanations and reporting.
• Payroll Processing (backup):
  • Act as a backup in the processing of bi-weekly/monthly payroll for all employees in compliance with Texas labor laws, including calculating wages, overtime, bonuses, and commissions.
  • Review and ensure the correct deduction of federal, state, and local taxes, including Texas state tax withholdings (no state income tax in Texas, but ensuring correct reporting and other related deductions).
  • Administer payroll for salaried and hourly employees, ensuring correct classification of employees for overtime purposes in line with Texas labor law.
• Accounting Duties:
  • Act as a backup to the accounts payable function including vendor management
  • Complete various bank reconciliations
  • Perform other accounting duties as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in payroll processing, accounting, or a related field.
  • Prior experience with payroll processing in Texas and knowledge of Texas state and federal tax regulations required.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

• Strong knowledge of Texas payroll tax laws and other relevant regulations.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in payroll processing.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze payroll discrepancies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks and duties at outlined above.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

ABOUT METRONATIONAL

MetroNational is a private, family-owned real estate investment, development, and management company located in Houston whose core interest is the Memorial City mixed-use development. The cornerstones of its business philosophy are teamwork, loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, which have led to winning several awards:

· Houston Chronicle Top Work Places

· Houston Business Journal Healthiest Employers

· Houston Business Journal Best Places To Work

· Cigna Well-Being Award

· American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Worksite

· Mother-Friendly Worksite