Payroll Accountant - Accountant II or Accountant III

Location: Fergus Falls, MN (or regional service locations)

Salary Grade: Accountant II is salary grade 8; Accountant III is salary grade 9.

Location: Fergus Falls, MN

Position Summary

Otter Tail Power Company is seeking a Payroll Accountant to support the accurate and timely processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal controls.

This role plays a key part in coordinating payroll operations, supporting tax reporting and compliance, and partnering across Accounting and Human Resources to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. The position also contributes to ongoing process improvements, regulatory updates, and the integrity of payroll-related financial data.

What You’ll Do

• Process payroll activities, including wage calculations, deductions, tax withholdings, and timely payments


• Prepare and support payroll tax reporting, regulatory filings, and responses to internal and external information requests


• Research and apply payroll laws, tax changes, and union contract requirements to ensure compliance


• Reconcile payroll data and support financial reporting, including journal entries and account analysis


• Partner with HR and Accounting to resolve payroll questions and ensure consistent processes


• Maintain payroll systems, support upgrades or enhancements, and assist with process improvements


• Support audits, internal controls, and documentation to safeguard payroll data


• Provide responsive service to employees by addressing payroll inquiries and issues

What We’re Looking For

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred; equivalent experience will be considered


• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities


• Knowledge of payroll processes, tax requirements, and employee compensation practices


• Analytical problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset


• Experience with payroll systems (e.g., UKG Pro, Oracle, or similar) preferred

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

• Competitive wage & benefit package.
  
  
  
  • The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $57,000 - $86,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  
  
  • Incentive plans
  
  
  • Employee Stock Ownership options
  
  
  • Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
  
  
  • Health, disability and life insurance plan options
  
  
  
  


• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.


• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!


• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.

To apply, visit our careers page at www.otpco.com.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.