Staff Accountant

Hallstar Services Corporation • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

Hallstar is a leading global provider of specialty chemistry solutions. The company takes a collaborative approach to every engagement, working to understand customer businesses in order to provide not only the products that customers need, but the technical support, chemistry expertise and industry knowledge that help the customer make the most of those products.

We believe that our versatility and growth has come directly from contributions made by our team. We are committed to developing our people to their full potential in a working environment where everyone is fully engaged and valued. We offer development opportunities to further enhance business, technical and leadership skills. And as a dynamic, growing, international company we offer a range of career opportunities around the globe.

We are looking for a qualified Staff Accountant who is detail-oriented to support daily accounting operations with unwavering accuracy, assist with a one-day month-end close process and be able to process bi-weekly payroll for the US entities. This individual must have strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws, and expertise in handling garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a fast‑paced environment.
• 3+ years of payroll experience, including full‑cycle processing.
• Experience with month‑end close, ideally with accelerated or one‑day close cycles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, formulas).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Exceptional diligence and commitment to confidentiality, attention to and dedication to meeting tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Office Suite, ADP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process bi‑weekly payroll for all US employees.
• Verify and audit timecards, PTO, overtime, shift differentials, and other earnings.
• Maintain full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Process and monitor garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and all other involuntary deductions.
• Stay current on wage and hour law changes, tax regulations, and payroll best practices.
• Assist with quarterly and annual tax filings along with W-2 reconciliations verifying taxes, earnings, deductions, and employer contributions prior to year‑end close.
• Research and resolve discrepancies related to employee tax withholdings.
• Maintain payroll files and reports in accordance with company policies and compliance standards.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness. (Intercompany, Prepaids, Accruals, etc.).
• Complete assigned month‑end tasks within a one‑day close window.
• Review financial data for accuracy and investigate discrepancies immediately.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional departments to obtain required month‑end data promptly.
• Process weekly Freight Invoices and Expense Reports
• Support monthly, quarterly, half-year, and year-end financial closes, including assigned journal entries, balance-sheet account reconciliations, accruals, and overall maintenance of operational management accounts.
• Serve as backup to the Accounts Payable Clerk with coding, posting, and payments to vendors.

Benefits

• Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Term Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Pension, 401(k), Short/Long Term Disability Programs, as well as holiday and paid-time off benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level