Senior Accounting & Payroll Specialist - Guinn, Vinopal & Zahradka, LLP

Guinn, Vinopal & Zahradka LLP is a locally owned public accounting firm with offices in New Richmond and Hudson, WI. Our mission is to provide excellent client service and forward-looking solutions that help our clients reach their personal and business goals. With a team of 30+ associates, we work closely together to support our clients in the St. Croix Valley Area and beyond.

Due to continued growth of our Firm, we are seeking a Senior Accounting & Payroll Specialist who is seeking an opportunity to lead and train our team of Accounting & Payroll Specialists, provide administration of our accounting and payroll systems and engage with our clients as the Client Contact. We are looking for local candidates in Wisconsin or Minnesota.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Plan, schedule, and lead monthly payroll meetings with Accounting & Payroll Staff and Management. 
• Create, adjust and maintain annual Payroll Team schedule and communicate schedule and changes with Accounting & Payroll Staff & Team. 
• Assist the Firm Administrator with reconciling and maintaining Firm's Accounts Payable Ledger.
• Accurately complete accounting work for selected clients on a weekly or monthly basis. 
• Serve as the Firm's Document Management System Administrator by rolling forward, creating and maintaining all workflows.
• Serve as the Firm's Client Management System Administrator.
• Process payroll for select clients. 
• Serve as the Firm's ACH Payment Administrator, acting as the main contact for payroll clients for set-up, issue resolution, and inquires.  
• Serve as the Firm's ACH Administrator to set up, maintain and retain ACH agreements for clients, resolve issues, and answer client inquiries.  
• Accurately maintain the pricing template annually for payroll engagement letters and proposals.
• Oversee the 1099 process and review 1099s prepared by interns and staff for accuracy and completeness.
• Manage a group of accounting clients. Proactively request information needed to complete monthly or quarterly accounting projects, as required by the client's engagement letter.
• Accurately and promptly complete the year-end close of QuickBooks file for selected business clients.
• Serve as the Firm's QuickBooks Online contact and meet with clients to help with QuickBooks Online conversions, set-up, client inquiries, and issue resolution. 
• Develop and maintain technical competencies and payroll & accounting knowledge. Actively seeks out and participates in training and continuing education opportunities. 
• Listen for and identifies opportunities for the Firm to provide additional services to clients. 
• Implement and improve accounting and payroll processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Work together with Firm Administrator to coordinate training opportunities for Payroll & Accounting team throughout the year.
• Mentor and train junior accounting staff and oversee their work as needed.
• Protect the confidentiality of client and Firm information.  
• Maintain a general understanding of the Firm's services. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Excellent leadership skills.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Accounting CS, QuickBooks or related software. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and handle pressure in a positive and professional manner.  
• Excellent critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. 
• Actively participates in organizational meetings and discussions.   
• Strong desire to learn new skills. 
• Ability to effectively prioritize and work independently or as part of a team. 
• Ability to thrive in a changing work environment. 

Education and Experience: 

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associate's degree in accounting or related discipline or higher preferred.  
• Payroll and bookkeeping experience required. 5+ years' experience providing payroll and bookkeeping services to clients.
• Previous experience in Public Accounting strongly desired.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and laws relating to payroll, accounting transactions, 1099s, payroll tax returns, etc.  
• Certification by the American Payroll Association and/or QuickBooks Pro-Advisor preferred.  

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.