BOOKKEEPER
Full-Time, On-Site | Bryles Research / Insights Center |Mokena, IL
Reports to: Managing Partner
About Us
Bryles Research and Insights Center are full-service marketing research data collection companies. We operate research facilities that host focus groups, taste tests, product placements, and other consumer research studies for national and global clients. Our teams manage hundreds of individual research projects each year, and accurate, timely accounting is central to how we run every one of them.
Position Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented, full-charge Bookkeeper to own the day-to-day accounting for the company. This person will handle accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, project cost tracking, and monthly reconciliations across our locations, and will work directly with the Managing Partner and facility directors to keep project billing accurate and on schedule.
This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable working independently, meeting hard deadlines, and handling confidential financial and employee information with discretion.
Main Roles and Responsibilities
Below is a list of responsibilities for the Bookkeeper. This is not an all-inclusive list and should be used as a guideline.
Accounts Payable
- Receive, review, and code vendor invoices to the correct job number and general ledger account.
- Prepare weekly check runs and ACH payments for approval; maintain vendor files, W-9s, and certificates of insurance.
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve billing discrepancies directly with vendors.
- Process and reconcile company credit card activity and employee expense reimbursements.
Accounts Receivable and Project Billing
- Prepare and issue client invoices at project close-out using the job folder, expense tracking, and completed-quota information provided by the project team.
- Track all project-related expenses (respondent incentives, product, shipping, staffing, supplies) so each study is billed completely and accurately.
- Apply client payments, maintain the aging report, and follow up on past-due balances professionally.
- Reconcile respondent incentive disbursements (cash, gift cards, checks) against schedule sheets and check-in records for every study.
Payroll and Benefits Administration
- Prepare and process payroll for full-time, part-time, and temporary study staff through our payroll provider.
- Track PTO accruals and balances; maintain accurate employee records and new-hire paperwork.
- Support 401(k) contribution funding and the annual census, and reconcile health insurance premium billing.
- Prepare year-end 1099s for contractors and coordinate W-2 issuance with the payroll provider.
General Ledger and Month-End Close
- Perform bank, credit card, and balance-sheet reconciliations monthly.
- Post journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, and depreciation.
- Close the books monthly and prepare financial statements and job-cost reporting for the Managing Partner.
- Maintain organized, audit-ready records and support the outside CPA at year-end.
Compliance and Administration
- Prepare and file sales and use tax returns; maintain business licenses and registrations across locations.
- Monitor cash flow and provide the Managing Partner with regular cash position updates.
- Assist with annual budgeting and provide financial detail requested by ownership.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all financial, client, and employee information.
- Recommend and implement improvements to accounting procedures and internal controls.
Qualifications
Required
- 2-5 years of full-charge bookkeeping experience covering AP, AR, payroll, and month-end close.
- Associate degree in accounting or business, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficiency with QuickBooks (Online and/or Desktop) and Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and lookup formulas.
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to catch and correct your own errors.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and complete monthly close on schedule with minimal supervision.
- Professional written and verbal communication skills for working with clients, vendors, and staff.
- Proven discretion in handling confidential financial and personnel information.
Preferred
- Experience with multi-entity or multi-location bookkeeping.
- Experience with project-based or job-cost accounting.
- Background in marketing research, hospitality, or another professional services environment.
- Familiarity with payroll platforms and time-tracking systems.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.
- Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
- Paid Time Off (PTO):
1st year of employment: 5 PTO days (40 hours)
After 1 year of eligible service: 10 PTO days (80 hours)
After 2 years of eligible service: 15 PTO days (120 hours)
After 5 years of eligible service: 20 PTO days (160 hours)
- Health Insurance: The company provides approximately 75% of health insurance coverage for the employee.
- 401(k) Plan: Eligible after one year and 1,000 hours of service. The company matches 100% up to 3% of salary, and 50% on the 4th and 5th percent of salary.
- Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, on-site at our [City, State] office.
Pay: $33.00 - $36.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 5% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
