Temporary Accounting & Payroll Specialist

BridgeField Strategies is recruiting an experienced accounting specialist for a small business located in Wood River, IL. This position is on-site with the potential option for telework.

Duration: 6–8 weeks, with possible extension

Start Date: Immediate

Reports To: Owner

Position Overview
We are a growing safety and compliance company seeking a temporary accounting professional to provide critical support during a planned leadership leave and ensure continuity of financial operations. This role will work directly with our CFO, our owner, and an external financial consultant currently conducting a diagnostic of our finance functions. This is a hands-on role for someone who can quickly assess current processes, document them, and help build redundancy in core accounting and payroll functions.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Support

• Assist with payroll processing and ensure accuracy and timeliness
• Document payroll workflow and key contacts
• Help cross-train a backup person in case of staff departure

Accounts Receivable & Billing

• Review current invoicing process and identify bottlenecks
• Help clean up aging AR and follow up on outstanding balances
• Document standard AR processes

General Accounting & Month-End Close

• Support month-end close activities alongside CFO
• Help document the current close process step-by-step
• Organize workpapers and financial files for easy handoff

Data Support for Consultant

• Serve as "data sherpa" for an external consultant conducting a financial diagnostic
• Pull requested reports, organize documentation, and help compile information
• Identify gaps in current data or systems

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Create written procedures for key finance and accounting tasks
• Help organize vendor contracts, payment terms, and renewal dates
• Identify areas where process improvements could reduce friction

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or payroll
• Experience with accounting software of various types
• Strong working knowledge of accounts receivable, invoicing, and payroll
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and document processes clearly
• Comfort with technology and ability to pull reports from systems

Preferred

• Experience with Paylocity is a plus
• Prior experience in a temporary or transition role
• Familiarity with service or construction industry accounting

What We're Looking For

We need someone who can:

• Move quickly — assess, document, and help stabilize
• Communicate clearly — write down what they learn so others can follow
• Stay calm — this is a transition period, and we need a steady hand
• Be curious — comfortable asking questions to understand how things work

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Alton, IL 62035