Senior Payroll Analyst & Staff Accountant

Senior Payroll Analyst-Staff Accountant

Manufacturing Environment

Location: McHenry, IL
This is an on-site position in McHenry, IL
Salary: Starting at $90K

Position Summary of Senior Payroll Analyst-Staff Accountant

The Senior Payroll Analyst & Staff Accountant plays a critical role in supporting a manufacturing organization by ensuring accurate, compliant payroll operations for U.S. and Canadian employees while supporting plant-level accounting, cost controls, and financial close activities. This role partners closely with operations, HR, and third-party providers to maintain payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strong financial controls in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What we offer our Senior Payroll Analyst-Staff Accountant

• Comprehensive benefits plan
• 401K with match
• Money Purchase Plan
• 16-week Paid Parental Leave
• Generous PTO package, including 14 paid holidays
• A great place to work!

Key Responsibilities of Senior Payroll Analyst-Staff Accountant

Payroll & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage and oversee end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. and Canadian employees, including hourly and salaried populations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for third-party payroll processors
• Support payroll tax filings, inquiries, and compliance at the federal, state, and local levels
• Manage state payroll reporting and year-end payroll requirements
• Coordinate and support annual Workers’ Compensation audits and related reporting

Manufacturing Accounting & Close Support

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes in accordance with company and regulatory requirements
• Prepare and post recurring and non-recurring journal entries
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations with a strong focus on accuracy, audit readiness, and internal controls
• Maintain fixed asset records, including capitalization, depreciation, and asset disposals for plant equipment

Sales Tax & Indirect Tax

• Prepare and file sales and use tax returns
• Maintain tax exemption certificates and support tax audits
• Assist with additional indirect tax and compliance activities as needed

Accounts Payable & Vendor Management

• Process vendor invoices accurately and in accordance with purchasing and receiving controls
• Review weekly vendor payment runs for accuracy and proper authorization
• Resolve invoice discrepancies in coordination with procurement and plant operations
• Serve as backup for accounts payable processing to support business continuity

Cost Control & Operational Support

• Conduct expense report compliance audits and provide training to employees
• Maintain vendor master data in ERP systems
• Prepare and analyze monthly accounts payable and spend metrics to support cost control initiatives

Additional Responsibilities

• Administer corporate credit card programs
• Prepare and file annual 1099 reporting
• Perform customs duties reconciliation for imported materials or equipment
• Manage unclaimed property reporting
• Support internal and external audits, including SOX-related activities if applicable
• Assist with cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications & Experience of Senior Payroll Analyst & Staff Accountant

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a staff accountant or similar accounting role
• Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience, preferably supporting hourly manufacturing workforces
• Experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of accounts payable processes and internal controls
• At least 3 years of experience working with ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Experience supporting multi-entity, multi-location, or global operations

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work across plant, corporate, and leadership teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Language & Reasoning Skills of Senior Payroll Analyst & Staff Accountant

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to apply logical reasoning to resolve practical accounting