Senior Payroll Specialist

Overview

This role involves supporting and executing end-to-end payroll operations in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment. The Senior Payroll Specialist must be a self-starter who takes ownership of payroll processes, maintains strict compliance, and proactively drives process improvements as the organization scales.

This position is primarily remote; however, candidates must reside within the DMV area to support in-person events, team meetings, and business needs, as required, at or near our McLean, VA headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute and own end-to-end processing for multiple entities on varying schedules, ensuring complete accuracy from initial data preparation through final transmission.
• Review, validate, and balance payroll to labor, ensuring alignment between timekeeping and payroll systems.
• Manually research, troubleshoot, and resolve system and workbook variances (such as 401k or benefit discrepancies) directly within the platform prior to final payroll submission.
• Maintain strict compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including complex multi-state requirements.
• Audit payroll data for accuracy, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and employee master data changes.
• Partner with timekeeping systems (e.g., Unanet) to ensure proper labor distribution, posting, and reporting.
• Serve as the primary Timesheet Administrator, including:
  • Identify and resolve processing bottlenecks proactively, efficiently, and resourcefully.
  • Execute payroll-related reporting and support internal/external audit requests.
  • Assist with system integrations and implementations, including data validation, parallel testing, and payroll testing cycles.
  • Support continuous process improvements by documenting payroll procedures and controls to streamline operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and HRIS teams while maintaining clear ownership of payroll processes.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with employees and leadership regarding payroll and timekeeping matters.

Requirements

• US Citizenship is required.
• 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including complex multi-state payroll processing.
• Experience in a government contracting (GovCon) environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, multi-state tax regulations, and labor compliance requirements.
• Experience managing or supporting timekeeping systems and strict compliance processes.
• Recent, hands-on proficiency with ADP Workforce Now is required.
• GovCon timekeeping systems (ie. Unanet) is required.
• Proven ability to manage payroll cycles independently with minimal supervision; demonstrated initiative is required.
• Exceptional level of accuracy and a 10/10 attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb new organizational workflows, retain training, and maintain personal documentation/SOPs to execute tasks without repetitive direction.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet rigid deadlines within a structured payroll calendar.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong self-starter mindset with the ability to take total ownership and troubleshoot independently.
• Resourceful problem-solving skills, including researching system capabilities and resolving issues without constant step-by-step direction.
• Process-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable working in a growing, evolving acquisition environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Unanet timekeeping system is highly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• The pay range for this position is: $95,000 - $105,000

Benefits package includes coverage in areas such as:

• Healthcare (medical, dental, and vision)
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401k with company match
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Award Programs
• Continued education and family assistance

Location

• Primarily remote, with a requirement that candidates reside within the DMV area to support in-person events, team meetings, and business needs, as required, at or near McLean, VA headquarters.