AP and Payroll Specialist

Description

Classification  

Exempt 

Job Summary 

Southwest Strategies Group is seeking a temporary, full-time AP and Payroll Specialist to join our team. The AP and Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing the accounts payable process and ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing. Reporting to the VP, Finance with a dotted line to the Chief People Officer, this role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of accounting principles and payroll regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in handling vendor payments, reconciling accounts, processing payroll, and ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements. 

Southwest Strategies Group is focused on building leaders in our industry and community. Our group of companies is comprised of award-winning institutions across the state: BergDavis Public Affairs, ColLAborate, Katz & Associates, and Southwest Strategies. With nearly 100 professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience and offices across the state, our team is uniquely positioned to meet stakeholders where they are. We approach every project as a trusted partner, leveraging our decades of expertise to provide custom strategies that help our clients get results.     

Position:  

This position is based at our headquarters in San Diego, CA (Del Mar Heights neighborhood). This is primarily an on-site role, with a minimum of 3 days in the office (Tuesday/Wednesday required and a third day to be confirmed by the employee/manager).

Duration:  

The position is temporary, with an expected commitment of 90 days from the start date. The role could potentially be extended or lead to a permanent position based on performance and business needs. 

Salary Range: $69,000-$72,000 (dependent on experience) 

Key Responsibilities: 

Accounts Payable (AP) 

• Process and review invoices, ensuring accuracy, proper coding, and approvals
• Manage vendor relationships, respond to inquiries, and resolve payment discrepancies
• Prepare and execute weekly/monthly payment runs via check, ACH, and wire transfers
• Reconcile AP transactions, including credit card statements and expense reports
• Maintain organized records of invoices, payments, and related documents
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including accruals
• Prepare 1099 at end of year 
• Additional duties as required

Payroll Processing 

• Process payroll accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations  
• Reconcile Time Off and Hours Worked in ERP invoice system (BigTime) against entries in HRIS (Paylocity)
• Experience with various time off accrual types, including sick/vacation policies and PTO policies 
• Process off-cycle payrolls including bonuses, termination payments, one-time adjustments
• Maintain payroll records, including timekeeping, deductions, and benefits
• Verify timesheets, calculate wages, and process adjustments (including retroactive payments) as needed
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for internal and external use
• Address payroll-related inquiries from employees and management
• Assist with tax filings, W-2s, and year-end payroll reporting
• Manage ACA compliance reporting at year-end in coordination with Benefits Manager 
• Additional duties as required

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field (preferred)
• 4 years of experience in accounts payable and payroll processing
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paycom, etc. Experience with Paylocity is highly preferred 
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)
• Understanding of GAAP principles, payroll tax laws, and compliance regulations 
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with attention to detail
• Experience in a multi-state payroll environment 
• Knowledge of 1099 processing and sales tax compliance

Salary : $69,000 - $72,000