Accounting/Payroll Manager

Chicago Chapter of the American Payroll Association; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Paid time off

Retirement savings

Job summary

Plote Companies in Northern Illinois is seeking an Accounting Manager to lead payroll processing for multiple entities, ensure regulatory compliance, and support corporate accounting operations.

You will oversee union payroll, W-2s, audits, and tax filings, develop training, and collaborate with finance, HR and operations to drive accurate payroll data and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field or 5+ years equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of payroll experience in a high-volume union environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Job costing experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple companies (union and non-union).
• Prepare and analyze payroll-related regulatory reports and W-2s; support year-end processes and audits.
• Oversee payroll-related accounting entries and union reporting.
• Collaborate with finance, HR, and operations to ensure accurate payroll data and drive process improvement.
• Lead payroll audits and respond to external auditors.

Skills

Payroll processing

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Data analysis

Confidentiality

Communication

Audits

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

LCPTracker

IDOL Certified Payroll

WH-347 forms

Job description

The Plote Family of Companies is a fine example of the American dream realized through over 60 years of hard work, sacrifice and a deep understanding of the value of focused individual effort, performed in concert, to achieve the goal of entrepreneurial success. At Plote we bring expertise, quality, depth of resources, and cutting edge equipment and technology together to deliver exceptional services in excavation, aggregates, asphalt paving, concrete paving, civil heavy engineering, sustainable materials, commercial development, environmental services, and snow removal.

Job Summary:The Accounting Manager is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, reconciliation, and payroll reporting and additionally assist Corporate Controller with managing day-to-day accounting operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple companies that use non-union and union employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Prepare and analyze payroll-related and other regulatory reports as required
• Support year-end processes, including W-2's and annual audits (financial, 401k, worker's comp, etc.).
• Oversee review of payroll registers and ensure accurate payroll distribution
• Prepare, review, and submit union reports and payment requests for various Chicagoland unions.
• Oversee payroll-related accounting entries
• Contribute to and/or lead other department-specific and cross-functional initiatives with AP, AR and GL
• Oversee all federal and state tax compliance forms, such as Fed-941, IL-941, 940, IL unemployment, W-3, W-2s, MSHA, and other required filings for multiple companies
• Stay abreast of changing laws and best practices to inform process improvement and maintenance of system integration, technology, and legal compliance
• Establish and maintain a centric payroll operation that includes development of self-service resources, proactive communication, and prompt response to employee questions and requests
• Develop training and coaching programs for employees, cultivate a culture of customer service, and build relationships.
• Collaborate closely with finance, HR, and Operations departments to ensure accurate payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and support companywide payroll initiatives
• Monitor and analyze payroll metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Perform all other duties and tasks assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field, or 5+ years equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of Payroll experience in a high-volume union environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, i.e., excel, word, outlook
• Handling confidential information with discretion
• Job costing

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
• CPP Certification
• Payroll processes and procedures within a Construction environment
• Viewpoint software

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, mentor, and develop staff
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple payroll cycles and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local payroll laws and union contract requirements
• Experience improving payroll processes, implementing controls, and driving operational efficiency
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-accounting audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Experience working with LCPTracker, IDOL Certified Payroll, WH-347 forms, and prevailing wage forms
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy as a top priority
• Organizational skills are a must
• Ability to analyze payroll data, identify trends, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement
• Strong customer-service mindset with the ability to support employees and leadership at all levels
• Ability to lead payroll audits, resolve discrepancies, and collaborate effectively with external auditors

Why Plote

At Plote we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans, generous paid time off, retirement savings to support our team members in every aspect of their lives.

Plote has a fast-paced and dynamic environment where team members are committed to excellence and proud to be part of a growing and successful construction company.

BEFORE ALL ELSE, SAFETY FIRST.

Plote Construction, Northern Illinois' premier Excavating, Asphalt Paving and Concrete Contractor, is committed to conducting construction operations in the safest manner possible. With an industry leading safety record, and a robust safety program. At Plote you'll find a deep commitment and dedication to safety and team members' wellbeing.

Plote is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Plote will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Notice

Plote Companies may use artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-assisted tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. These tools may be integrated into recruiting platforms, applicant tracking systems, job boards, or business applications to help organize, summarize, compare, and evaluate job-related information submitted by applicants.

If AI-assisted technologies are used during an interview (such as transcription, recording, or note-taking), applicants will be informed before or at the start of the interview.

AI tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making. Employment decisions are made by Plote Companies representatives after reviewing each candidate's qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.