Payroll Accountant in Harwood Heights, Illinois

Payroll Administrator / Staff Accountant - Hybrid

*** LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY***

Location:

Chicago, IL - Downtown

Schedule:

Hybrid - 3 days onsite / 2 days remote

Employment Type:

Contract-to-Hire (predicated on mutual interest)

Pay Rate: $30-$32/hour W2

About the Opportunity

Our client, a growing global organization within the manufacturing industry is seeking a talented and multi-faceted Payroll Administrator / Staff Accountant for its Chicago-based corporate accounting team. This is a payroll-focused accounting position responsible for end-to-end U.S. payroll processing while also supporting month-end close, account reconciliations, journal entries, and general accounting activities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently with confidential payroll information and recurring deadlines.

Payroll

• Process biweekly U.S. payroll for approximately 200 employees using ADP Workforce Now.
• Manage the full payroll cycle, including time close, payroll audits, previews, finalization, and funding.
• Review and accurately apply overtime, double-time, holiday/weekend premiums, shift differentials, and other special pay rules.
• Review payroll registers, time reports, exceptions, and earnings codes prior to finalizing payroll.
• Process payroll adjustments including retro pay, off-cycle checks, termination payments, garnishments, and one-time earnings/deductions.
• Assist with quarterly and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 reconciliation and balancing.
• Partner with HR and operations to resolve payroll, timekeeping, and employee-related discrepancies.
• Assist with payroll tax notices and related reporting.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and accuracy when handling employee and payroll information.

Accounting / Month-End Close

• Prepare and post journal entries and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
• Perform balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate reconciling items.
• Support month-end and year-end close, including tie-outs, variance explanations, roll-forwards, and audit schedules.
• Maintain recurring journal entries and supporting documentation.
• Process weekly freight invoices.
• Provide backup support for Accounts Payable as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 3-5+ years of accounting experience with hands-on U.S. payroll processing required.
• Hands-on ADP Workforce Now experience is required.
• Strong understanding of payroll processing, payroll controls, and payroll-related reconciliations required.
• Month-end close experience, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Strong Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and SUMIFS.
• SAP experience is highly preferred.
• Manufacturing or union/shift-premium payroll experience is a plus.
• AP experience is helpful but not required.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, accuracy, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and manage recurring payroll and accounting deadlines.
• High level of discretion when handling confidential employee information.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be someone who takes ownership of their work, follows established processes carefully - including following directions and adherence to instructions, and has a strong commitment to payroll accuracy. This position requires someone who is dependable, organized, and able to balance payroll responsibilities with accounting deadlines.