Senior Payroll Analyst and Staff Accountant

MRA Recruiting Services•McHenry, IL

1d•$90,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-driven Senior Payroll Analyst & Staff Accountant with strong expertise in payroll analysis and payroll tax compliance . This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate payroll processing, tax reporting, and financial integrity across the organization. The ideal candidate has a strong accounting foundation, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys digging into data to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
3–5+ years of accounting experience with a strong focus on payroll .
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
Advanced Excel skills: pivot tables, sumif, and Vlookups.
Excellent analytical skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate cross-functionally.
Understanding of accounts payable functions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities
Experience working in an environment with global objectives
Must be able to read, understand and communicate in English

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or multi-shift environments strongly preferred.
Experience with SAP and Workday preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform detailed payroll analysis , ensuring accuracy of hours, wages, deductions, and labor allocations.
Manage all aspects of payroll tax compliance , including multi-state payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
Ability to effectively partner with 3 rd party payroll company.
Partner with HR and operations to ensure correct labor reporting for a manufacturing environment, including shift differentials, overtime, incentives, etc.
Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and prepare monthly journal entries.
Assist with month-end and year-end close processes related to payroll and compensation.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, internal controls, and reporting efficiency.
Support audits (internal, external, payroll, workers’ compensation, etc.) with required documentation and analysis.
Maintain current knowledge of payroll regulations, employment laws, and tax codes.
Assisting with monthly closings.
Balance Sheet account reconciliations to ensure accurate statements
Intercompany Reconciliations
Monthly journal entries
Fixed Asset Maintenance
Back up to Accounts Payable
Cost Controlling
Expense Report Compliance
Audits & Training
Vendor Master Maintenance
AP Monthly Metrics Reporting
Other duties
Process sales tax returns
Tax certificate maintenance/audits
Corporate Credit Card Admin
1099 Reporting
Custom Duties Reconciliation
Unclaimed Property Reporting
Support audit tasks and objectives
Support projects as needed
Support the Controller in carrying out the responsibilities of the accounting department.