Sr Payroll & Tax Analyst
Robert Half · Northbrook, IL · 1 mo ago
On-siteAccountingTemporary
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for a large employee base, ensuring payments are completed accurately and on schedule, including variable compensation and other specialized pay items.
- Update and maintain payroll records, earnings and deduction setups, and system parameters to support precise payroll calculations and policy compliance.
- Collaborate with accounting teams on payroll-related journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and month-end close support.
- Review and reconcile payroll, tax, benefit, and liability balances to maintain accurate records and support audit preparedness.
- Oversee payroll tax administration by setting up and closing tax accounts, maintaining authorization documentation, and monitoring third-party tax service arrangements.
- Verify proper withholding and reporting for federal, state, and local payroll taxes across multiple jurisdictions.
- Examine payroll tax filings prepared by external providers, resolve tax notices through research and agency follow-up, and help ensure timely payments and submissions.
- Assist with year-end payroll activities, including validation and distribution support for W-2 reporting.
- Track payroll-related regulatory updates and implement required process or system adjustments to maintain ongoing compliance.
Requirements
- Proven experience managing full cycle payroll processing for a workforce of 500 or more employees.
- Hands-on knowledge of multi-state payroll practices, including tax withholding, filings, and compliance requirements.
- Strong proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and Workday, including payroll and HRIS functionality.
- Demonstrated ability to reconcile payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues with a high level of accuracy.
- Experience supporting accounting processes tied to payroll, such as journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliation.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, auditing, and payroll reporting.
- Solid understanding of payroll controls, year-end reporting, and coordination with third-party tax or payroll vendors.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
- CPA certification is a plus.
Skills
- Payroll processing
- Tax compliance
- Microsoft Excel
- ADP Workforce Now
- Workday
Benefits
- Medical
- Vision
- Dental
- Life and disability insurance
- Company 401(k) plan
Pay
- Competitive salary
Schedule
- Contract-to-permanent opportunity