Global Payroll Accountant & Compliance Specialist

SearchBuddy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SearchBuddy is seeking an Accountant, Payroll to manage accurate, timely payroll operations for domestic and international employees. The role combines payroll administration with accounting duties, including journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting, while ensuring compliance and confidentiality of sensitive information.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of payroll and accounting experience, strong Excel skills, and experience with ADP or similar systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive payroll and general accounting experience.
• Experience with payroll accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, payroll reporting, and liability account analysis.
• International payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with ADP or comparable payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Process domestic and international payroll accurately and on schedule using ADP and third-party payroll providers.
• Prepare, review, and audit weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll, benefits, insurance, vacation, sick leave, and other payroll liability accounts.
• Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and ensure payroll records and supporting documentation are accurate and complete.
• Administer payroll deductions, tax codes, garnishments, retirement plan deductions, FSA funding, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Assist with Form 5500 reporting and other payroll and benefit compliance requirements.
• Monitor timecard compliance and payroll deadlines while communicating required follow-up to employees and managers.
• Calculate and maintain accurate vacation and paid-time-off accruals.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate with payroll providers, benefits partners, and internal departments to research and resolve payroll-related issues.
• Support internal and external audits, payroll compliance reviews, and year-end reporting activities.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee compensation and other sensitive payroll information.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, reporting, controls, and overall efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with applicable payroll laws, regulations, company policies, and established internal controls.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business

Tools

ADP

Excel

Job description

SearchBuddy is seeking an Accountant, Payroll to manage accurate, timely payroll operations for domestic and international employees. The role combines payroll administration with accounting duties, including journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting, while ensuring compliance and confidentiality of sensitive information.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of payroll and accounting experience, strong Excel skills, and experience with ADP or similar systems.