• Own the monthly close for payroll and related accounts, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and delivering variance analyses across wages, bonuses, commissions, taxes, benefits, and stock-based compensation. • Partner closely with Payroll Operations to ensure accurate GL postings and timely resolution of issues across multi-state jurisdictions and multiple legal entities. • Design, document, and operationalize SOX-compliant processes and controls for payroll accounting; support internal and external audit requests with clear, well-organized evidence. • Collaborate with Tax, FP&A/Corporate Strategy, HR/Benefits, and HRIS to improve forecast accuracy, refine accrual methodologies, and implement system and process enhancements. • Lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce close timelines and defects by standardizing templates, automating reconciliations, and leveraging ERP and payroll/HRIS integrations. • Provide technical accounting guidance on payroll-related matters, draft and maintain accounting policies, and communicate impacts of new programs (e.g., compensation plans, benefits, mobility) to stakeholders. • Support ad hoc analyses and special projects, including new system integrations, tool evaluations, and scalability efforts to meet the needs of a growing business.