Payroll Manager

Overview

An organization is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead day-to-day payroll operations and manage a processing team within a fast-paced, multi-entity environment. This role serves as the primary point of contact for the payroll team and acts as a liaison to department leadership. The ideal candidate is a hands-on manager who actively monitors operational deadlines, ensures compliance, and can seamlessly step into payroll processing when needed. This position is primarily remote but requires candidates to reside within the DMV area to support in-person events, team meetings, and business needs near the McLean, VA headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide daily guidance to the payroll processing team, resolving operational bottlenecks and fostering accountability.
• Monitor the payroll calendar to ensure all preliminary data, review, and final submission deadlines are met without delay.
• Maintain hands-on expertise with payroll and timekeeping systems to independently execute processing runs, manual calculations, or adjustments as needed.
• Anticipate and troubleshoot processing issues such as 401k, tax, or labor posting discrepancies proactively.
• Oversee workbook balances, timesheet administration metrics, and payroll inputs to guarantee accuracy before submission.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and HRIS teams to manage multi-state compliance and support system integration and data validation.
• Continuously update team training materials, system job aids, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent and independent workflow execution.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll experience, including 2–3 years in a supervisory or team lead role.
• Strong background in multi-entity, multi-state payroll environments.
• Experience with government contracting (GovCon) payroll cycles is required.
• Recent, hands-on proficiency with ADP Workforce Now payroll system.
• Experience with GovCon timekeeping systems such as Unanet.
• Proven ability to manage a team in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to operational detail, data balancing, and internal controls.
• Ability to quickly adapt to evolving workflows and drive team performance through change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership style that remains engaged throughout the entire payroll processing cycle.
• Self-starter who independently researches system mechanics and resolves team issues without escalation.
• Comfortable enforcing performance metrics and corporate deadlines.
• Proactive "jump-in" mindset to assist with volume or technical challenges before they escalate.
• Experience with Unanet Timekeeping System is highly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $115,000 to $120,000 USD (Virginia-based).
• Competitive pay influenced by factors such as location, contract labor categories, experience, skills, education, and certifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account with company contributions.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with generous company match.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee award programs and company-sponsored events.

Location

• Primarily remote position.
• Candidates must reside within the DMV area to support occasional in-person events and meetings near McLean, VA.

Equal Employment Opportunity

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.