Accounts Payable Specialist

Joseph J. Henderson & Son, Inc.; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph J. Henderson & Son, Inc. in Illinois is seeking a dependable Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist to join our in-office accounting team.

This full-time role combines AP, payroll processing, construction accounting support, and general office duties. The ideal candidate has solid basic accounting knowledge, strong attention to detail, and the willingness to learn union payroll and certified payroll requirements.

Qualifications

• Basic accounting knowledge with invoices, debits/credits, and balances.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with numbers.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, Outlook, Word, and PDFs.
• Willingness to learn construction accounting, union payroll, and certified payroll requirements.
• Ability to work in the office full-time.

Responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices and manage accounts payable using pVault.
• Reconcile payroll data between Paylocity and Sage 300 CRE.
• Prepare weekly/biweekly payroll for union field and office staff.
• Maintain timekeeping records and employee files.
• Prepare certified payroll reports and assist with compliance.
• Provide general accounting and administrative support as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Strong communication

Willingness to learn

Tools

Sage 300 CRE

Paylocity

PVault

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Joseph J. Henderson & Son is an established construction company with nearly 100 years of experience. We take pride in our history, our people, and the relationships we have built with our employees, vendors, subcontractors, and customers.

We offer a casual, down-to-earth work environment where people work together, take responsibility for their work, and value doing things right. We are looking for someone who wants more than just a job—someone interested in developing their skills, becoming a valued member of our team, and building a long-term career with our company.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist to join our accounting team. This is a full-time, in-office position combining accounts payable, payroll processing, construction accounting support, and general office responsibilities.

The ideal candidate has a good understanding of accounting principles, some experience with payroll, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines accurately. Construction or union payroll experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right person who has the aptitude, initiative, and commitment to learn.

A college degree is not required. We value practical accounting knowledge, work ethic, accuracy, organization, and a willingness to learn.

This is an opportunity to grow with a well-established company and gradually develop the knowledge needed to take on greater responsibility as our accounting team evolves over time.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process incoming vendor invoices through our pVault invoice management and approval system.
• Review approved invoices for accuracy, completeness, and proper coding.
• Export approved invoices into Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE).
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoices and payment status.
• Obtain missing invoices, W-9 forms, and other vendor documentation.
• Review accounts payable aging and vendor statements to identify outstanding or missing invoices.
• Prepare vendor checks on a biweekly schedule and complete bank positive pay reporting.
• Scan and index checks and maintain electronic documentation.
• Assist with vendor setup and invoice routing rules as needed.

Payroll Processing

We process weekly payroll for approximately 40–51 union field employees and biweekly payroll for approximately 30 office employees.

• Collect and verify field time from project managers and forepersons.
• Prepare weekly union field payroll and biweekly office payroll.
• Enter and reconcile payroll information between Paylocity and Sage 300 CRE.
• Maintain timekeeping spreadsheets and electronic timecard records.
• Review employee hours, pay rates, deductions, and other payroll information for accuracy.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to applicable unions.
• Prepare manual payroll checks when necessary.
• Maintain employee records and process changes such as pay increases and address updates.
• Research and correct payroll discrepancies in coordination with other staff.

Certified Payroll & Construction Compliance

• Prepare weekly certified payroll reports using Sage 300 CRE.
• Assist with certified payroll reporting requirements for various construction projects.
• Learn to interpret project specifications and determine applicable reporting requirements.
• Work with different reporting systems and comply with applicable prevailing wage, union, and project-specific requirements.

General Office Support

• Answer incoming phone calls and direct inquiries appropriately.
• Open and distribute mail and packages.
• Assist with other accounting and administrative duties as needed.

Systems We Use

• Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE)
• Paylocity payroll
• PVault invoice management and document storage
• Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word
• PDF and electronic document management tools

Experience with these specific systems is helpful but not required. The ability to learn new software and follow established procedures is important.

Qualifications

Required:

• Basic accounting knowledge, including an understanding of invoices, debits and credits, and account balances.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with numbers.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and PDF documents.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage recurring deadlines and handle confidential financial and employee information.
• Willingness to learn construction accounting, union payroll, and certified payroll requirements.
• Ability to work in the office full-time.

Preferred, but not required:

• Previous accounts payable or accounting experience.
• Payroll processing experience.
• Experience with union payroll, construction accounting, or prevailing wage requirements.
• Experience with Sage 300 CRE, Paylocity, or similar accounting and payroll systems.

The Person We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who takes pride in accurate work, follows through on responsibilities, asks questions when something does not look right, and wants to understand how the business operates.

Payroll in the construction industry has additional requirements involving union rules, job costing, and certified payroll reporting. We will provide training, but the position requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to learning the details.

We are particularly interested in someone seeking a stable, long-term position who would like to grow with the company and develop into a knowledgeable, trusted member of our accounting team.