Accountant - Payroll

Univar Solutions; Downers Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Univar Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join our team in Downers Grove, IL. The role focuses on recording payroll transactions, month-end close, and payroll cost analysis to support audits and reporting.

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, improve processes, and ensure policy compliance while handling multiple priorities in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum of 3 years of accounting experience, preferably payroll accounting exposure.
• Solid understanding of US GAAP.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with SAP and OneStream is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Accurately record payroll entries in the general ledger in a timely manner.
• Maintain payroll accrual calendars and ensure proper mapping of payroll codes within the payroll system.
• Perform month-end close activities, including preparation of payroll accruals.
• Analyze and explain variances in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results.
• Prepare and review balance sheet account reconciliations, report on fluctuations across time periods.
• Support internal and external audit processes by preparing schedules and documentation.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Collaborate with accounting managers and internal stakeholders to address financial inquiries and support business needs.
• Document processes and maintain up-to-date records for assigned responsibilities.
• Perform ad hoc analysis and tasks as needed.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration

Tools

SAP

OneStream

Job description

A Place Where People Matter. Start your career journey with Univar Solutions! Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you.

Accountant – Payroll

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Accountant to join our team. This role is responsible for accurately recording payroll transactions in the general ledger, analyzing payroll-related costs, and supporting financial reporting and audits. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

What You’ll Do

• Accurately record payroll entries in the general ledger in a timely manner.
• Maintain payroll accrual calendars and ensure proper mapping of payroll codes within the payroll system.
• Perform month-end close activities, including preparation of payroll accruals.
• Analyze and explain variances in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results.
• Prepare and review balance sheet account reconciliations, report on fluctuations across time periods.
• Support internal and external audit processes by preparing schedules and documentation.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Collaborate with accounting managers and internal stakeholders to address financial inquiries and support business needs.
• Document processes and maintain up-to-date records for assigned responsibilities.
• Perform ad hoc analysis and tasks as needed.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum of 3 years of accounting experience, preferably with payroll accounting exposure.
• Solid understanding of US GAAP.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with SAP is preferred.
• Familiarity with OneStream is a plus.

Where You’ll Work

This is a hybrid-based role that will report out of our corporate headquarters in Downers Grove, IL.

Pay & Benefits

• The salary range is $80,000 - $95,000. This role is also eligible for incentive pay.
• The specific salary offered to a candidate may be motivated by a variety of factors including the candidate’s meaningful experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.
• Available employee benefits include health, vision, and dental. We also provide 401k matching for retirement and flexible time off.

What You Can Expect

• Strong work/life flexibility
• To be surrounded by an inclusive team who is collaborative and committed to the achievement of the company
• To be rewarded for your contributions with a targeted annual company bonus and annual salary reviews
• Competitive pay and benefits

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe!

We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges the unique experiences, perspectives and expertise of individuals and provides the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry.

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail].