Senior Financial Analyst; Payroll

Senior Payroll Analyst - Contract-to-Hire

Location: Remote (Preference for candidates in the Chicago area for occasional on-site needs)

Hourly Pay: W2 negotiable depending on experience. $45-55. Upon conversion, salary up to $120K.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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