Payroll Accountant

Payroll Administrator / Staff Accountant - Hybrid***LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY***Location: Chicago, IL - DowntownSchedule: Hybrid - 3 days onsite / 2 days remoteEmployment Type: Contract-to-Hire (predicated on mutual interest)Pay Rate: $30-$32/hour W2About the OpportunityOur 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.Key ResponsibilitiesPayrollProcess 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 ClosePrepare 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.QualificationsBachelor'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 PivotTables, 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 ForThe 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.