Payroll Accountant

Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join a steel manufacturing organization in Lisle, Illinois on a Long-term Contract assignment. This position supports a complex payroll operation spanning multiple entities and requires a strong background in payroll accounting, reporting, and reconciliation. The person in this role will help improve payroll accuracy, address outstanding reconciliation items related to an acquisition, and provide dependable support for ongoing payroll activities in a high-volume corporate environment.

Responsibilities:

• Verify employee time and pay details to confirm payroll results are accurate across a large multi-entity environment.

• Analyze payroll balances and prepare reconciliations that align earnings data with W-2 reporting and other year-end records.

• Review employee tax information and assist with payroll tax research, analysis, and issue resolution.

• Contribute to backlog reduction efforts by supporting payroll cleanup and reconciliation activities connected to a recent acquisition.

• Provide payroll support across 23 payroll groups while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and consistency in reporting.

• Perform payroll-related cash reconciliations and prepare general ledger reporting for payroll transactions across multiple companies.

• Create and evaluate payroll reports using Cognos Analytics to identify discrepancies, trends, and outstanding items.

• Apply accounting fundamentals, including debits and credits, to payroll entries, balancing, and reconciliation work.

• Process payroll for two smaller business entities and partner with internal teams to resolve variances and open questions promptly.

The hourly pay range for this position is $33 to $43/hour. Benefits available to contract/temporary professionals, include medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.

Requirements • Hands-on experience managing the full payroll cycle in a corporate setting.

• Background supporting payroll operations for multi-location or multi-entity organizations.

• Working knowledge of union payroll requirements.

• Proven experience with payroll accounting, account reconciliation, and payroll audit activities.

• Strong capability in payroll reporting, including W-2 review and payroll tax analysis.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas and detailed data analysis.

• Required experience with Cognos Analytics.

• Solid understanding of payroll cash activity, general ledger processes, and accurate follow-up on discrepancies.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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