We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll and Accounting Specialist to join our team in our Albuquerque, New Mexico, office. This role is responsible for all aspects of payroll processing, compliance, and accounting support within a large firm with multiple pay structures. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll and accounting operations.

This position offers the opportunity to be a key player in our payroll and accounting team, ensuring compliance and efficiency while supporting employees and leadership. As part of our firm, you will benefit from a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing:

• Process multi-state payroll using an in-house computerized system, transitioning to an outsourced system.
• Review timesheets, process payroll adjustments, commissions, bonuses, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
• Ensure accurate, timely execution of payroll, including direct deposits, tax payments, and 401k/HSA submissions.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax filings and reporting (W-2s, 1099s, 1042, etc.).
• Assist with annual retirement plan testing and audits.
• Analyze and reconcile payroll accounts and prepare general ledger journal entries.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll and advise leadership on compliance requirements.
• Partner with HR to optimize payroll processes and improve efficiency.
• Manage applications for new state income, unemployment, and local tax accounts.
• Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.

Compliance & Tax Reporting:

• Process state filings for annual reports, business licenses, and firm licenses.
• File sales and use tax reports monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Handle payroll tax reconciliations and resolve tax notices as needed.

Fixed Asset Management:

• Maintain records in Sage Fixed Asset software.
• File annual property renditions and reconcile with tax bills.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Industry Experience: Professional services required; engineering, environmental services, or architecture preferred.
• Education & Experience: Associate’s or bachelor’s in business administration, accounting, or related field preferred. Five (5) years of relevant education/experience combination may substitute.
• Payroll Expertise: 3+ years of multi-jurisdictional payroll experience required.
• Technical Skills: Intermediate Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs), MS Office proficiency.
• Payroll Systems: In-house payroll experience required; conversion to outsourced payroll preferred.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of federal and state HR and payroll laws.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Work Ethic: High integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

About INTERA & Our Benefits

INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2024 award winner!

Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:

• Hybrid work models for on-site employees – work from home and at the office
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer match and a Student Debt Retirement Savings Program
• Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage – paid 100% by the company
• Paid holiday, at least 3 weeks of vacation per year, and sick time
• Opportunities for stock ownership
• Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
• Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
• Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
• Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more

These are some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows.