Payroll Accountant

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

Job summary

Harmer in Chicago is seeking a Payroll Accountant to support U.S. and international payroll operations, combining payroll processing with hands-on accounting, journal entries, reconciliations, and compliance.

This role requires strong accounting fundamentals, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines, working with ADP platforms and external providers. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field and 3+ years of payroll and accounting experience, plus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Approximately 3+ years of payroll and general accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of accounting fundamentals, including journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting payroll processing, payroll accounting, and related compliance activities.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze payroll data and support reconciliations.
• Familiarity with ADP Workforce Now and ADP Celergo.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and process domestic and international payroll using ADP platforms and foreign payroll providers, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
• 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 liability accounts.
• Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Administer payroll deductions, tax codes, garnishments, retirement contributions, flexible spending account funding, and related reporting requirements.
• Monitor timecard compliance, communicate payroll deadlines, and coordinate with employees and supervisors to resolve outstanding items.
• Support payroll tax compliance, external audits, year-end reporting, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls, improve reporting accuracy, and streamline payroll accounting processes.

Skills

Accounting fundamentals

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Celergo

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client is a privately held hospitality services organization seeking to hire a strong Payroll Accountant to their growing Chicago based team. With operations spanning globally, the company offers a dynamic, globally connected environment that values collaboration and professionalism.

The Payroll Accountant will support U.S. and international payroll operations across multiple countries, combining payroll administration with hands-on accounting, journal entries, reconciliations, and compliance. This role requires strong accounting fundamentals, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate brings together strong accounting fundamentals, practical payroll knowledge, and a high level of professionalism. They are comfortable working with detailed financial data, managing recurring deadlines, and communicating with employees and external providers to resolve issues efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and process domestic and international payroll using ADP platforms and foreign payroll providers, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
• 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 liability accounts.
• Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Administer payroll deductions, tax codes, garnishments, retirement contributions, flexible spending account funding, and related reporting requirements.
• Monitor timecard compliance, communicate payroll deadlines, and coordinate with employees and supervisors to resolve outstanding items.
• Support payroll tax compliance, external audits, year-end reporting, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls, improve reporting accuracy, and streamline payroll accounting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Approximately 3+ years of payroll and general accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of accounting fundamentals, including journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting payroll processing, payroll accounting, and related compliance activities.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze payroll data and support reconciliations.
• Familiarity with ADP Workforce Now and ADP Celergo.