Payroll Accountant

WestCoast Children’s Clinic, located in Oakland, California, is a non-profit community psychology clinic that provides mental health services to Bay Area children, youth and families. Working at WestCoast Children’s Clinic means being part of an organization that is client-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, and committed to justice and equity. 

WestCoast Children’s Clinic is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Accountant to manage and execute all aspects of payroll processing for a dynamic team of 200+ employees. This critical role ensures payroll is completed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The Payroll Accountant will be responsible for end-to-end payroll administration, including verifying timekeeping data, processing bi-weekly payroll, and maintaining accurate employee records. Additionally, this role will prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, support month-end and year-end close processes, and collaborate with the Finance and HR teams to ensure consistency and integrity across payroll and accounting functions.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and committed to upholding the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Processes bi-monthly payroll for 200+ employees using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintains and updates employee records in ADP, including earnings codes, holidays, and shift differentials.
• Reconciles payroll deductions, including benefits, garnishments, 403(b) and Roth contributions, and loan payments.
• Transmits 403(b) and FSA contributions to third-party administrators; reviews trust statements monthly and quarterly.
• Reviews timesheets, conducts variance analyses, and resolves payroll discrepancies in line with GAAP.
• Responds to payroll-related inquiries and provides support to managers and staff.
• Reviews state and federal payroll tax filings prepared by third-party providers.
• Documents and improves payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assists with financial audits and leads the annual 403(b) plan audit.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years of payroll experience, preferably in the non-profit sector for 200+ employees
• Experience with payroll systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now
• Experience with accounting software packages, preferably Sage MIP
• Proven expertise with MS Excel (Intermediate Level minimum)

Key Competencies:

• Strong math and analytical skills; solid understanding of payroll calculations, including overtime, shift differentials, and on-call shifts
• Knowledge of California wage and hour laws, regulations, and best practices
• Ability to prioritize and work accurately with close attention to detail; strong time management skills and an ability to work independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Position Details and Compensation:

This is a full-time position. Salary range is $70,000-$80,000 per year depending on experience, and includes competitive benefits and compensation package, 403b and performance-based compensation plans.

Benefits:

• 100% Employer-paid medical and a variety of different plans (base plan, Kaiser HMO), dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage for full-time employees, and 50% coverage for dependents
• Annual incentive compensation plans, generous retirement plan contribution
• 403b retirement plan with ROTH and 403b contribution options
• Flex-spending options - Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Plans
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Self-Care Leave
• Three weeks paid time off per year, additional PTO accrual with increased years of service
• Monthly wellness stipend - $100 per month

Join us and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Bay Area.  

WCC is passionate about leading and encouraging open conversations around race, gender, power, and privilege and how these impact community mental health. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diminishing the influence of privilege and discrimination in our field and our workplace, whether due to differences concerning age, citizenship, color, disability, marital or parental status, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.