Payroll Accountant

Job Description

Payroll Accountant | Geneva Search Partners LLC

The Tone:
This is a full-time, hybrid role for a Payroll Accountant, located in Chicago, IL, offering 3 days per week in the office. The company is a highly respected global organization within the sophisticated luxury travel industry, known for its amazing culture that prioritizes flexibility and quality of life. This critical role ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll for both U.S. and international employees, contributing directly to the financial integrity and operational success of the organization. The position is ideal for someone seeking a collaborative team environment, excellent work-life balance, and unique perks within an exciting sector.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Regular, Ongoing
• Location: Hybrid, Chicago, IL

• Team: Collaborative team, partnering closely with Accounting, Finance, and Human Resources.
• Mission: Manage and process accurate payroll for U.S. and international employees while supporting accounting functions.
• Tech Stack: ADP, Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Payroll Operations: Manage and meticulously process payroll for both U.S. and international employees, ensuring all payments are completed accurately and delivered on time.
• Financial Reconciliation: Prepare detailed payroll-related journal entries and diligently reconcile all payroll activity to the general ledger, investigating any discrepancies.
• Compliance & Deductions: Oversee the precise management of payroll deductions, taxes, benefits, garnishments, and retirement-related activities, while actively assisting with payroll audits and compliance requirements.
• Employee Support & Reporting: Review comprehensive payroll reports, research and resolve any discrepancies, maintain accurate payroll records, and serve as a resource for employee payroll questions and issues.
• Process Enhancement: Collaborate with internal Accounting, Finance, and Human Resources teams, as well as outside payroll providers, to identify and implement improvements in payroll processes, controls, and reporting, including support for all weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end activities.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This position requires approximately 4–6 years of hands-on experience in payroll and/or payroll accounting. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, alongside a comprehensive understanding of payroll-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger accounting principles.
• Experience: Candidates must demonstrate a proven ability to handle confidential information with the utmost professionalism and be highly organized to effectively manage multiple, concurrent deadlines.
• Skills: Essential skills include strong attention to detail and accuracy, proficiency in Excel, and excellent communication skills, coupled with a collaborative personality focused on providing great internal customer service.
• Bonus: Experience utilizing ADP is highly desirable for this role, and previous exposure to international payroll operations is considered a significant plus.