Senior Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Grace Dougan Consulting is a boutique accounting and advisory firm based in Novato, CA. We serve a portfolio of small and mid-size business clients across industries, providing outsourced accounting, payroll, and financial management services. Our team operates as a partner with each client and we customize our services based on what the client is looking for.

This is a hybrid remote and in person full time position.

The Role

We are looking for a well-rounded accounting professional with deep payroll expertise and genuine fluency across the full accounting function. This is not a narrowly defined payroll-only role — you will own payroll from end to end while also contributing meaningfully to monthly close, accrual-basis financials, sales tax filings, and client reporting.

The right candidate thrives in a multi-client environment, is comfortable shifting between clients and tasks throughout the day, and brings the experience to work independently without needing step-by-step direction.

Payroll

• Process full-cycle payroll for multiple clients using Gusto, ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll or another payroll provider.
• Process some manually entered union payrolls.
• Manage multi-state payroll, garnishments, and voluntary deductions
• Ensure payroll tax filings (federal, state, local) are accurate and submitted on time
• Handle off-cycle runs, terminations, and new hire setup

Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare and post accrual-basis journal entries, including prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, depreciation, and payroll-related accruals
• Perform monthly bank and account reconciliations
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable for client portfolios
• Assist with month-end and year-end close across multiple clients
• Prepare and present financial statements

Sales Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and file California sales and use tax returns (CDTFA); multi-state experience a plus
• Monitor nexus and taxability rules across client business activities
• Coordinate with clients and external CPAs during tax season and audit support

Required Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience (multi-client or high-volume preferred)
• Strong command of accrual-basis accounting
• QuickBooks Online and/or Desktop proficiency
• Experience with Gusto, ADP, Paychex, or similar payroll platforms
• California sales tax filing experience
• Comfortable managing multiple clients simultaneously with competing deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to self-review your own work

Preferred (not required)

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or QuickBooks ProAdvisor designation
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Multi-state payroll tax experience

How to Apply

Please complete this application https://www.gracedouganconsulting.com/application-form and email your resume and cover letter to ***email_hidden***

Grace Dougan Consulting is an equal opportunity employer.