The Accounting Manager leads day-to-day accounting operations with primary responsibility for biweekly payroll and ownership of month-end/quarter-end close activities. The role ensures accurate records, strong internal controls, and timely reporting, and supervises transactional accounting staff while partnering closely with the CFO.

Lead, coach, and coordinate work for assigned staff; support recruiting, training, and performance feedback
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Finance team

Responsibilities:
Payroll (Primary Responsibility)
Prepare and process biweekly payroll using the organization?s payroll system
Review and validate time records, exceptions, and pay changes before each run
Review payroll registers and key reports; resolve discrepancies prior to submission
Prepare and post payroll journal entries to the general ledger
Prepare payroll accruals as part of the monthly close process
Coordinate year-end payroll activities (W-2s, reconciliations, and related support)
Serve as primary contact for the payroll provider and payroll system updates/transitions
Ensure payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant with federal and Illinois requirements ...

Monthly, Quarterly, and Year-End Close
Own the monthly close calendar and ensure all close tasks are completed on time
Prepare and review reconciliations and close schedules (bank, payroll/benefits, accruals, prepaids)
Prepare recurring and adjusting journal entries
Maintain accurate balance sheet and income statement support
Assist in quarterly and annual financial reporting
Support audit and year-end reporting by compiling schedules and documentation, maintaining records, and responding to auditor requests
Oversight of AP, AR, and Purchasing
Supervise and support AP/Purchasing and AR staff
Review AP batches, aging reports, and vendor activity
Ensure AP, purchasing, and AR transactions are properly coded, supported, and approved
Review AR aging and support resolution of discrepancies
Internal Controls, Compliance, and Documentation
Help develop, maintain, and follow accounting policies, procedures, and best practices
Ensure appropriate documentation, approvals, and retention of accounting records, including corporate documents and required filings, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure transactions are recorded timely and consistently
Maintain key internal controls (documentation, approvals, segregation of duties) and escalate issues to the CFO
Support continuous improvement of accounting workflows, internal controls, and reporting processes
Collaboration and Reporting
Prepare schedules, dashboards, and variance explanations for CFO/leadership reporting; recommend actions as appropriate
Partner with operations and leadership teams to resolve accounting and payroll questions
Assist with budget and forecast updates by maintaining and analyzing supporting schedules/models, as assigned
Assist with ad hoc reporting and special projects as needed

Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Skills:
Experience supervising or leading accounting staff
Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Sage Intacct or similar)
Key Competencies
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong organization and time management skills
Ability to manage cyclical workloads (payroll weeks vs close weeks)
Confidence in accounting judgment and escalation
Comfortable working in a review-driven, control-focused environment
Continuous improvement mindset

Education:
Bachelors

Experience:
4-7 years

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
5+ years of progressive accounting experience
Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Hands-on experience processing payroll


Spherion has helped thousands of people just like you find work happiness! Our experienced staff will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temp-to-perm or direct hire opportunities, no one works harder for you than Spherion.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Spherion, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact Callcenter@spherion.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Spherion offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).