We are looking for a skilled Technical Accounting Manager to join our team in Detroit, Michigan. In this role, you will lead initiatives related to technical accounting research and collaborate with global finance teams to ensure compliance and accuracy in financial reporting. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to process improvements, manage external audits, and support statutory requirements for non-U.S. locations.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Conduct in-depth technical accounting research and prepare detailed memorandums on complex topics, including revenue recognition and business combinations.<br>• Collaborate closely with global finance teams, including FP& A, tax, treasury, and business unit finance, to ensure alignment and accuracy.<br>• Maintain and update accounting policies in accordance with U.S. standards, including monitoring new guidance and training global finance teams on updates.<br>• Provide periodic updates to senior leadership on changes to accounting and reporting standards.<br>• Manage interactions with external auditors to facilitate financial statement audits and quarterly reviews, addressing technical accounting matters.<br>• Support non-U.S. locations in fulfilling statutory financial statement requirements, ensuring timely and compliant filings with the assistance of external auditors and service providers.<br>• Assist in Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 testing and ensure compliance with internal control standards.<br>• Participate in initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and timeliness of financial processes, including exploring automation opportunities.<br>• Work with internal auditors to provide necessary support during testing and evaluations.<br>• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned to support the team.
<p>We are looking for an experienced Director of Accounting to lead financial operations and strategy within our organization based in Detroit, Michigan. This role requires a entrepreneurial, dynamic leader who can provide strategic guidance, oversee accounting functions, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of financial planning, analysis, and project-based accounting within a fast-paced environment.</p><p><br></p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>· Direct, manage, and oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, payables, receivables, payroll, tax compliance, and treasury</p><p>· Lead the cleanup and restructuring of a disorganized general ledger; implement best-practice controls and standard operating procedures</p><p>· Own the month-end and year-end close process and assure timely, accurate reported financials in compliance with GAAP and company policy</p><p>· Prepare budgets, forecasts, scenario planning, and detailed financial analysis for the executive team and ownership</p><p>· Champion cost cutting and process optimization throughout all departments; drive measurable profit improvements (with examples from prior roles)</p><p>· Evaluate, select, and implement accounting, ERP, and quoting/job costing software/platforms; improve quotation workflow, pricing accuracy, job costing and margin analysis</p><p>· Monitor cash flow, working capital, credit lines, and optimize banking/vendor relationships</p><p>· Track spending as WIP on large $1M+ projects for timely recognition of expense and revenue and AR collection</p><p>· Lead, mentor, and develop the small accounting and finance team; foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration</p><p>· Oversee compliance, audit readiness, and manage relationships with auditors, bankers, and tax advisors</p><p>· Support special projects including system upgrades, refinancing, acquisitions, process automation, and operational reengineering</p><p>· Present financials, KPIs, and strategic plans to owners, company leadership, and key stakeholders</p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>REIT Tax Manager</strong></p><p> <strong>Location:</strong> Detroit, MI (Hybrid Work Environment)</p><p>Robert Half’s client, a <strong>globally recognized publicly traded services leader</strong>, is seeking a <strong>REIT Tax Manager</strong> to join their dynamic global tax team. This high-visibility position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by shaping tax policy, ensuring compliance with complex REIT requirements, and supporting strategic growth initiatives across the organization.</p><p>About the Role</p><p>As a REIT Tax Manager, you will play a key role in guiding global REIT tax policy and compliance strategies for a fast-growing public company. This role is responsible for managing external providers on REIT matters, overseeing tax compliance and reporting, and advising senior tax leadership on evolving regulations and best practices. You will also contribute to M& A activity, transfer pricing oversight, and international tax matters, ensuring that the company remains ahead of industry standards and fully compliant with REIT regulations.</p><p>Your responsibilities will include establishing and maintaining rigorous processes to support REIT compliance such as:</p><ul><li>Income and asset testing, distribution tests, and annual E& P and return of capital calculations.</li><li>REIT acquisition due diligence, integration, and transaction structuring.</li><li>Monitoring compliance with Private Letter Rulings and related REIT regulations.</li><li>Identifying and mitigating risks tied to prohibited transactions, excise taxes, impermissible tenant services, and related party rents.</li></ul><p>For immediate and confidential consideration please call Jeff Sokolowski directly at (248)365-6131 or apply directly today. </p>
<p><strong>Position:</strong> Controller</p><p><strong>Reports To:</strong> Chief Financial Officer (CFO)</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Detroit, MI</p><p><strong>Minimum Experience:</strong> 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role</p><p><br></p><p><strong>About the Opportunity</strong></p><p>Our client, a manufacturer of premium, high-end products, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Controller to join their leadership team. This position plays a critical role in overseeing accounting operations, driving process improvements, and ensuring compliance and accuracy across all financial activities. The Controller will report directly to the CFO and partner with leadership across the organization to deliver strategic financial insights that support growth and operational excellence.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><strong>Day-to-Day:</strong></p><ul><li>Oversee accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll, and general ledger management.</li><li>Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of all financial transactions.</li><li>Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals across multiple business lines.</li><li>Partner cross-functionally with leadership to deliver financial insights and drive process enhancements.</li></ul><p><strong>Month-End:</strong></p><ul><li>Manage month-end close, including reconciliations and preparation of accurate financial statements.</li><li>Analyze variances and deliver clear commentary to leadership.</li><li>Monitor cash flow and working capital performance.</li></ul><p><strong>Year-End:</strong></p><ul><li>Lead the annual close process and external audit coordination.</li><li>Oversee tax preparation and compliance through third-party providers.</li><li>Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning cycles.</li></ul><p>If you have questions or would like more information please call Jeff Sokolowski directly at (248)365-6131. For immediate and confidential please apply today.</p>
Key Responsibilities:<br>• AP/AR transaction posting and reconciliations<br>• Bank reconciliations<br>• Expense coding and credit card reconciliation<br>• Vendor statement reconciliation<br>• Asset management (building, vehicles, fuel, and supply cost audits)<br>• Identifying posting errors through financial understanding<br>• Audit support (documentation requests and testing)<br>• Month-end close support<br>• Maintaining fixed asset register and depreciation tracking<br>• Employee and credit card expense reconciliation<br>• Assisting in preparation of basic journal entries<br>• Preparing simple financial schedules for controller review<br>• Handling basic delinquent collections follow-up<br>• Preparing aging reports for AR/AP<br>• Assisting in cost allocation for departments<br>• Supporting data clean-up for SAP or ERP systems<br>• Assisting with budget preparation and analysis<br>Desired Profile:<br>• 2–4 years of direct bookkeeping or accounting experience (AP/AR, reconciliations, expense tracking)<br>• Demonstrated audit and budget experience preferred<br>• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve posting errors<br>• Proficient in Excel; prior ERP/accounting software experience (SAP/QuickBooks/other) is strongly valued. SAP is a experience is a plus. <br>• Self-motivated, organized, and reliable — able to manage recurring tasks with accuracy and timeliness<br>• Positive, eager-to-learn attitude with the interest and capacity to grow into expanded financial responsibilities over time<br>This person will work closely with me as Controller, so reliability and accuracy are critical. The goal is to find someone who can fully own the bookkeeping seat today while having the potential for development into broader financial responsibilities.
• Maintains subsidiary ledgers for company activities in accordance with statutory accounting principles (SAP) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Prepares monthly analyses and reports. • Analyzes computer output to determine discrepancies and errors and initiates corrective action to ensure integrity of ledger system. Verifies that account balances are reported accurately and that reconciling items are cleared on a timely basis. • Balances and audits accounting transactions for multi-company/multi-state operations. • Participates in modification of new and existing data systems to ensure compliance with area specifications and financial integrity. • Prepares audit schedules for use in internal and independent external audits. • Develops and maintains job documentation and procedures. • Prepares and maintains reconciliations of general ledger accounts. • Processes and creates complex financial calculations for analysis or input into the general ledger. • Reconciles deposit and disbursement accounts to bank statements and corporate product systems. • Processes and analyzes internal and external reinsurance transactions. • Interacts with other operating departments and management to define current procedures, research alternatives and develop efficiencies in existing processes and procedures. <br> Core Competencies • Achieves Results/Has Bias for Action - Achieves stretch results. Strong bias for action with sense of urgency and efficient. Practices collaborative working environment to achieve more. • Customer Focus - Has ability to look from customer’s view. Viewed as business partner by external and internal customers. Anticipates customer needs to ensure no barriers to doing business. • Uses Effective Communication Skills - Candid, clear and concise in communication. Effectively matches style, tone and method to audience. Connects with intended audience. Manages communication and feedback within the organization. • Displays Team Orientation - Works collaboratively to achieve organization’s success. • Technical/detail oriented Skills - Strives to stay ahead of technical/detail oriented expertise, is proactive and inspires others to stay current in areas of technical expertise. <br> <br> Required Education/Experience <br> • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant, equivalent experience required. • Two to four years’ experience in an accounting department • Basic data processing • Balancing of ledgers to support system • Account analysis and reconciliation • Preparing bank reconciliations • GAAP and/or SAP • Automated accounting systems • Spreadsheet software • Communicate effectively with others in a work environment • Work effectively on project teams
We are looking for a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our team in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In this role, you will manage key accounting activities, ensure compliance with tax regulations, and support external audits. Using your expertise in accounting principles, you will help maintain the integrity of financial data and provide valuable insights to support our financial operations.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Maintain accurate financial records, including journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and financial statements, in compliance with GAAP standards.<br>• Collect and organize sales tax exemption certificates from customers to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.<br>• Support the preparation and analysis of reports summarizing financial activities, such as income, expenses, and earnings.<br>• Collaborate with the accounts payable team to review vendor invoices for accuracy and perform necessary reconciliations.<br>• Assist with external audits by coordinating with auditors and providing required documentation for year-end and periodic reviews.<br>• Prepare and submit mandatory regulatory reports, including those required by agencies such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis.<br>• Oversee the management of contract expiration dates and ensure timely renewals or terminations.<br>• Train employees on accounting system procedures to ensure accurate data entry and efficient invoice processing.<br>• Perform administrative tasks such as organizing financial documents, maintaining records in accounting systems, and managing financial correspondence.
<p>Our trusted client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Controller Consultant to join our team in Detroit, Michigan. This long-term engagement offers a hybrid work schedule, combining in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and balance. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in accounting operations and technical expertise in Oracle systems.</p><p><br></p><p>The day-to-day responsibilities include: </p><p><br></p><p>• Manage daily accounting operations, including financial reporting, month-end close procedures, reconciliations, and audits.</p><p>• Collaborate on Oracle system implementation projects by gathering requirements, configuring systems, conducting testing, and providing post-implementation support.</p><p>• Analyze financial data using Oracle tools to generate insights that support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.</p><p>• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies while maintaining accuracy in financial records.</p><p>• Provide training and guidance to team members on Oracle functionalities, ensuring proper documentation and knowledge sharing.</p><p>• Develop and oversee document control processes, including scanning, compiling, and organizing financial documents.</p><p>• Utilize Oracle systems to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency.</p><p>• Monitor and improve internal controls to safeguard financial data and processes.</p><p>• Prepare and present reports to company leadership, offering actionable recommendations based on financial analysis.</p><p>• Support audits and regulatory reviews by maintaining accurate and accessible documentation.</p>
<p>POSITION SUMMARY</p><p>Position is responsible for conducting reimbursement billing activities related to various Federal, </p><p>State and local grants and contracts.</p><p>ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES</p><p>1 Track the schedule of reimbursement billing deadlines and submit billings according to </p><p>the schedule</p><p>2 Track expenses to assure all funds have been expended each year</p><p>3 Prepare reimbursement billings in accordance with the formats and content required by </p><p>each granting agency</p><p>4</p><p>Submit reimbursement billings and required support to appropriate contact at each </p><p>granting agency and maintain correspondence to ensure timely receipt of </p><p>reimbursement</p><p>5 Prepare and submit monthly financial reports required by granting agencies</p><p>6 Assist in preparation of new and all revisions of the grant budgets</p><p>7</p><p>Monitor budget-to-actual and work with Grant Administrator and program personnel to </p><p>formulate projections and budget amendments</p><p>8</p><p>Review contracts and awards to determine allowable costs, appropriate billing formats, </p><p>budget amendment requirements, and submittal deadlines.</p><p>9 Maintain appropriate documentation for each billing for each grant</p><p>10 Assist with annual audit activities</p><p>11 Participate in administrative staff meetings, agency committees, and other projects as </p><p>assigned</p><p>12 Adhere to Southwest Solutions policies and procedures</p><p>JOB TITLE: </p><p>Grants Billing Specialist</p><p>CLASSIFICATION: </p><p>Non-Union</p><p>CENTER OF EXCELLENCE & UNIT:</p><p>SWS - Finance</p><p>SUPERVISES:</p><p>No</p><p>REPORTS TO:</p><p>Grants Administrator</p><p>FLSA STATUS:</p><p>Non-Exempt</p><p>Creation Date: May 2017 Revision Date: March 2021</p><p>13 Adhere to Southwest Solutions code of ethics, and comply with local, state and federal </p><p>laws</p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Accounts Receivable Specialist</strong></p><p> <strong>Location:</strong> Detroit, MI (Hybrid – 4 days in office)</p><p><strong>About Our Client</strong></p><p> Our client is a <strong>globally known leader in their product offerings</strong>, recognized for exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. With a long history of excellence and a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the company continues to expand its global reach while maintaining a people-focused and high-performance work environment. Every employee plays a vital role in driving operational success and strengthening the financial foundation of this iconic organization.</p><p><strong>About the Role</strong></p><p> The <strong>Accounts Receivable Specialist</strong> will be part of a high-energy shared services accounting team supporting multiple business units in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This individual will manage all aspects of accounts receivable — including invoicing, payment processing, collections, reconciliations, and reporting — to ensure timely and accurate cash flow management. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative setting and demonstrates strong attention to detail, accountability, and commitment to excellence.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Process customer invoices accurately and promptly across multiple entities.</li><li>Apply incoming payments and reconcile accounts to ensure accuracy.</li><li>Monitor aging reports, follow up on overdue balances, and coordinate collection efforts.</li><li>Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, short payments, and credit memos.</li><li>Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, and Operations to resolve issues and enhance the customer experience.</li><li>Support month-end activities including reconciliations, journal entries, and AR reporting.</li><li>Maintain up-to-date AR documentation and assist with internal and external audit requests.</li><li>Identify opportunities for process improvement within AR and shared services operations.</li></ul><p>For immediate and confidential consideration please call Jeff Sokolowski directly at (248)365-6131 or apply today.</p>
We are looking for a detail-oriented entry-level Accountant to join our team in Novi, Michigan. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting essential accounting processes. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a passion for numbers, this position is an excellent opportunity to grow your career.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Prepare and record journal entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.<br>• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy.<br>• Conduct account reconciliations to support month-end and year-end closing processes.<br>• Monitor job cost accounting to track project expenses and profitability.<br>• Analyze Work-In-Progress (WIP) data to assess project status and financial implications.<br>• Assist in compiling documentation and data for internal and external audits.<br>• Collaborate with team members to improve accounting processes and systems.<br>• Support financial reporting by preparing accurate and timely reports as needed.<br>• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and organizational policies.
<p>Are you a finance leader who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys being a true business partner? We’re seeking a <strong>Plant Controller</strong> to join our team and play a critical role as the voice of the business and trusted advisor to senior leadership. This is a highly visible position with the opportunity to drive change, improve processes, and directly impact plant performance.</p><p><br></p><p>What You’ll Do:</p><ul><li>Lead and manage all financial activities at the plant, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flow.</li><li>Oversee month-end close and deliver timely, accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP.</li><li>Drive robust cost accounting practices, monitoring and analyzing costs, margins, and variances while identifying improvement opportunities.</li><li>Ensure effective internal controls to safeguard company assets.</li><li>Partner with plant management and corporate finance to deliver meaningful financial insights and reports.</li><li>Collaborate with operations to develop KPIs and drive accountability.</li><li>Manage inventory valuation and physical counts.</li><li>Support corporate finance during external audits.</li><li>Identify and implement process improvements across finance and operational reporting.</li></ul><p><br></p>
<p>We are looking for an experienced Finance professional who is looking for their next step towards a Controller role. You will be joining a manufacturing company located in the Clinton Township, Michigan area. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in financial management and analysis, ensuring the organization’s accounting operations run efficiently and support strategic decision-making. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the company’s financial success through accurate reporting and proactive insights.</p><p><br></p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>• Support the daily accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities.</p><p>• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.</p><p>• Evaluate standard costs against actual costs and recommend corrective measures across various departments and manufacturing plants.</p><p>• Support the budgeting and forecasting processes, providing variance analysis and actionable recommendations to support organizational goals.</p><p>• Support the internal controls to protect company assets and ensure adherence to policies and regulations.</p><p>• Oversee cash flow management, maintain banking relationships, and support treasury operations to optimize financial resources.</p><p>• Provide financial insights and analysis to guide strategic decision-making and improve operational efficiency.</p><p>• Collaborate with leadership to ensure financial planning aligns with overall business objectives.</p><p>• Contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting systems and processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency.</p>
We are looking for an experienced Accounting Supervisor to join our team in Harper Woods, Michigan. In this role, you will oversee key financial operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all accounting processes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and skilled at managing priorities in a dynamic environment.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Lead month-end close procedures, ensuring timely and accurate completion of financial statements.<br>• Manage and oversee general ledger activities, including account reconciliations and journal entries.<br>• Conduct financial statement audits and provide necessary documentation to auditors.<br>• Supervise full-cycle accounting processes, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.<br>• Train and mentor accounting team members, fostering growth and enhancing team performance.<br>• Utilize Sage Timberline and QuickBooks to manage financial data and reporting.<br>• Prepare detailed financial reports and analyses to support strategic decision-making.<br>• Collaborate with internal teams to address discrepancies and improve accounting workflows.<br>• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and company policies.<br>• Provide expertise in real estate partnership accounting, leveraging prior experience where applicable.
We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Controller to oversee financial operations within our heavy manufacturing company in Warren, Michigan. This role is vital for maintaining accurate accounting processes, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing strategic insights to support business growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction accounting, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple financial tasks effectively.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Lead monthly financial close processes, including fringe benefit calculations, general ledger reviews, and workers’ compensation assessments.<br>• Oversee bank account reconciliations for payroll, general, and investment accounts, ensuring accuracy and consistency.<br>• Prepare and submit monthly borrowing base reports and AR/AP documentation to financial institutions.<br>• Manage quarterly tax filings, including 940, 941, withholding, and city taxes, along with customer hours reports and labor statistics submissions.<br>• Coordinate the preparation of year-end financial forecasts, bonus calculations, and compliance with tax regulations.<br>• Support audits by preparing necessary documentation for union, tax, and customer reviews.<br>• Process weekly payroll for office staff and maintain up-to-date employee rate information and hiring paperwork.<br>• Handle work-in-progress transactions, safety summaries, and depreciation entries.<br>• Develop and negotiate annual customer rates and assist in collecting overdue invoices.<br>• Manage petty cash, bank deposits, and vehicle registrations, ensuring smooth financial operations.
<p>Our trusted client is looking for an experienced Assistant Controller Consultant for a long-term engagement. This role is focused on supporting financial operations within the automotive industry, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in accounting processes. If you have a strong background in accounts payable, financial reporting, and team leadership, we encourage you to apply.</p><p><br></p><p>The day-to-day responsibilities include: </p><p><br></p><p>• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.</p><p>• Prepare and review account reconciliations and analyses for balance sheet and income statement accounts.</p><p>• Oversee treasury functions, including vendor payments and the accuracy of cash forecasts.</p><p>• Provide leadership and training to accounts payable team members, fostering their growth and attention to detail.</p><p>• Assist with payroll processing and reconciliation, ensuring compliance and accuracy.</p><p>• Collaborate on system improvements and enhancements to optimize accounting workflows.</p><p>• Conduct ad-hoc financial analyses and contribute to special projects as needed.</p><p>• Ensure adherence to critical deadlines and maintain high standards in financial operations.</p>
We are looking for a dedicated Accountant to join our team in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on a Contract to permanent basis. This position requires a strong foundation in accrual accounting, financial reconciliations, and journal entry preparation. The ideal candidate will excel in independent work and bring advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel to support various accounting operations and projects.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Prepare and post accurate journal entries in compliance with established accounting standards.<br>• Execute month-end and year-end accruals, ensuring all financial transactions align with organizational policies.<br>• Reconcile general ledger accounts, investigate discrepancies, and implement timely resolutions.<br>• Assist in the preparation and review of financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements.<br>• Maintain thorough documentation for all accounting activities to establish a reliable audit trail.<br>• Collaborate with other departments to collect financial data and produce reports as needed.<br>• Utilize advanced Excel tools such as PivotTables and macros to analyze and consolidate financial data efficiently.
We are looking for a skilled Payroll Specialist to join our team in Livonia, Michigan. This Contract-to-Permanent position is ideal for someone with a strong background in payroll processing, specifically in higher education environments, and proficiency with Ultipro systems. The role involves managing complex payroll operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating across departments to support organizational goals.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Process and manage payroll for faculty, staff, and other employees using Ultipro systems, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.<br>• Review and administer faculty contracts, including tenure-based and adjunct arrangements, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies.<br>• Maintain payroll data such as adjustments, deductions, and bonuses, ensuring precise record-keeping.<br>• Stay informed on local and federal payroll regulations, ensuring all activities align with legal and institutional requirements.<br>• Collaborate with HR and academic departments to resolve payroll discrepancies and update faculty positions.<br>• Generate detailed payroll reports for leadership, auditors, and regulatory filings.<br>• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll data with budgets and general ledger accounts.<br>• Provide guidance and training to employees on navigating payroll self-service portals.<br>• Optimize payroll systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy in processing.<br>• Work alongside IT and external consultants to troubleshoot and upgrade payroll systems when necessary.