Senior Financial Analyst (Payroll)

Senior Payroll Analyst – Contract-to-Hire Location: Remote (Preference for candidates in the Chicago area for occasional on‑site needs) Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Jefferson Wells is partnering with a valued client to identify a Senior Payroll Analyst for a contract‑to‑hire opportunity. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely, with a strong preference for applicants near Chicago who can come on-site periodically. The ideal candidate is a payroll accounting expert who thrives in a detailed, compliance‑driven environment and enjoys collaborating across HR, Finance, and IT. Key Responsibilities Oversee the preparation and review of payroll‑related journal entries—such as benefit accruals and other accounting adjustments—prior to posting in the general ledger. Conduct in‑depth analysis of payroll, tax, and benefit balance sheet accounts to identify inconsistencies and recommend process enhancements. Evaluate and interpret benefit and pension activity, ensuring reporting aligns with relevant accounting requirements and disclosure standards. Serve as a primary contact during internal and external audits, supplying supporting documentation and assisting with remediation efforts. Maintain and enhance standard operating procedures (SOPs) tied to payroll accounting and related processes. Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to support system upgrades, process improvements, and cross‑departmental initiatives. Act as a subject matter resource for payroll accounting questions, providing guidance to internal teams and stakeholders. Ensure that accounting policies, internal controls, and regulatory guidelines are consistently followed. Document processes thoroughly to support ongoing operations and control requirements. Qualifications Strong experience in payroll accounting and payroll systems Deep understanding of GAAP and payroll‑related compliance requirements Experience working with benefit and pension programs Advanced Excel skills; familiarity with large ERP environments (HFM experience is a plus) Ability to analyze complex data sets and communicate insights clearly Prior audit exposure is a plus Jefferson Wells is proud to offer the following benefits to our W2 consultants:* Medical and Prescription Drug Plans   Dental Plan   Vision Plan   Health Savings Account   Health Flexible Spending Account   Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account   Supplemental Life Insurance   Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance   Business Travel Insurance   401(k)  *Eligibility requirements apply, including a minimum-hours-worked threshold  

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