Payroll Accountant

Title: Payroll Accountant KBR is seeking a driven and detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join the Mission Technology Solutions (MTS) organization in either Houston, TX or Huntsville, AL. In this role, you will support the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll accounting activities across a complex and dynamic organization. You will play a key role in payroll-related general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, month-end close activities, regulatory compliance, and audit support. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of deliverables, and collaborates effectively with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting while supporting continuous process improvement initiatives. Trinzic is being established as an independent public company through the planned separation of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, which is expected to be completed on January 4, 2027. This role offers a rare opportunity to join the organization during a pivotal period of growth and transformation, helping build and support payroll accounting, financial compliance, and operational processes that will position the company for long-term success while serving critical government and commercial missions around the world. Key Responsibilities Maintain payroll-related general ledger accounts and ensure payroll transactions are accurately recorded in accordance with KBR accounting policies and applicable regulatory requirements. Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, including wages, taxes, benefits, accruals, and other compensation-related transactions. Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end reconciliations of payroll accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner. Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and ensure payroll data is accurately reflected in financial records. Support payroll month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring deadlines are met with a high degree of accuracy and completeness. Assist with payroll tax reconciliations, regulatory reporting requirements, and payroll-related compliance activities. Partner with Payroll, Human Resources, and Finance teams to ensure accurate accounting treatment of employee compensation, benefits, bonuses, and equity-related transactions. Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation, schedules, and supporting analyses. Ensure adherence to internal controls, SOX compliance requirements, and corporate governance standards related to payroll accounting processes. Analyze payroll data, identify trends and variances, and prepare reports and recommendations for management. Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing activities, and data validation efforts. Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and enhanced controls to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Contribute to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence within the finance organization. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 2+ years of payroll accounting, general accounting, or related finance experience in a corporate environment. Understanding of payroll accounting principles, payroll taxes, accruals, and financial reporting requirements under US GAAP. Experience preparing journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and supporting month-end close activities. Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis tools. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Effective communication skills with the ability to explain payroll and accounting information to various stakeholders. Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally across Payroll, HR, Finance, and other business functions. Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Costpoint, Workday, Ceridian Dayforce, ADP, UKG, SAP, Oracle, or similar payroll and ERP systems. Experience supporting multi-state and/or international payroll accounting activities. Familiarity with government contracting environments and payroll requirements under FAR, CAS, and related regulations. Experience supporting SOX compliance, internal controls, and external audit activities. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification or progress toward professional accounting certification preferred. Demonstrated success driving process improvements, automation initi