[Hiring] Compensation & Benefits Accounting Manager @Earned

Role Description

We're looking for a Compensation & Benefits Accounting Manager to own the accounting for everything we pay our people. You'll manage payroll accounting, benefits and 401(k), commissions and bonuses, payroll accruals, multi-state payroll tax compliance, and equity compensation across a growing group of entities. You'll partner closely with HR, Payroll, and the Senior Accounting Operations Manager to keep people costs accurate, well-controlled, and clearly explained.

What Success Looks Like in the First Year

• Payroll, benefits, and 401(k) accounts are reconciled every month with no unexplained variances.
• Commission and bonus accruals land within an agreed tolerance of actual payouts.
• Every acquired firm's employees move onto Earned payroll and benefits within the integration window.
• Payroll tax filings are on time in every state, and the 401(k) plan audit closes with no significant findings.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Accounting:
  • Own payroll accounting across all entities, including payroll journal entries in NetSuite and reconciliation of all payroll liability accounts.
  • Reconcile payroll provider registers to the GL and bank activity each pay cycle, and resolve variances with HR and Payroll.
  • Review off-cycle payments, terminations, and retro adjustments for correct accounting treatment.
• Benefits & 401(k):
  • Account for employee benefits, including medical, dental, life, disability, HSA/FSA, and other plans. Reconcile carrier invoices to enrollment and the GL.
  • Manage 401(k) accounting: employee deferrals, employer match and safe-harbor contributions, true-ups, and timely remittance to the plan.
  • Support annual 401(k) plan administration, including nondiscrimination testing data, Form 5500 support, and the employee benefit plan audit.
• Commissions & Bonus Accounting:
  • Accrue and reconcile commissions and bonuses, including advisor and producer compensation, sales incentives, and discretionary and retention bonuses.
  • Partner with HR, Sales, and Finance on plan design, payout calculations, and controls over incentive compensation.
  • Apply ASC 340-40 to capitalize and amortize incremental costs of obtaining contracts, where applicable.
• Payroll Accruals & Close:
  • Prepare month-end accruals for payroll, bonuses, commissions, PTO, payroll taxes, and benefits.
  • Maintain close schedules and supporting documentation for all compensation-related balance sheet accounts.
• Multi-State Payroll Tax Compliance:
  • Oversee federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance, including withholding, unemployment (SUI/FUTA), and quarterly and annual filings.
  • Monitor state registration and nexus as employees work remotely across states, and resolve payroll tax notices.
  • Review year-end W-2 reporting and reconcile it to payroll and the GL.
• Equity Compensation Accounting:
  • Account for equity and equity-like awards under ASC 718, such as profits interests, incentive units, or phantom equity. This includes grant tracking, valuation inputs, expense recognition, and forfeitures.
  • Maintain the equity award ledger, and partner with Legal, HR, and valuation advisors on new grants and plan changes.
• Flux Analysis & Ad-Hoc Support:
  • Prepare monthly flux analysis on compensation and benefits expense and related balance sheet accounts, with clear explanations of the drivers.
  • Support headcount and compensation cost reporting for budgeting, forecasting, and leadership.
  • Handle ad-hoc analyses and projects, such as compensation plan modeling, benefits renewals, and audit and diligence requests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5+ years of payroll, benefits, and compensation accounting experience, including multi-state payroll tax compliance.
• Hands-on experience with commission and bonus accruals, 401(k) accounting, and benefit plan audits.
• 3+ years of hands-on NetSuite experience, including payroll journal imports and reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of ASC 718 equity compensation accounting.
• Experience with at least one major payroll platform (ADP, Paylocity, Rippling, or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills and strong attention to detail with confidential data.

Preferred Requirements

• CPA or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).
• Experience in financial services, wealth management/RIA, insurance brokerage, or professional services.
• Experience at a PE-backed or acquisitive company, including payroll and benefits integrations.
• Familiarity with ASC 340-40, ASC 805 compensation considerations, and profits interest or incentive unit plans.
• Experience with commission management tools and HRIS integrations.

Benefits

• An attractive total compensation package
• Employer-sponsored health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• 401k + 5% match