Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Aston Carter • Bethesda, OH

2d • $36 - $43 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist manages end-to-end payroll processing and supports accounting functions to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations. The role combines hands-on biweekly payroll administration with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end close activities. It also contributes to process improvements and maintains strict confidentiality. The position offers opportunities to grow with an expanding organization and help build scalable payroll and accounting processes.

This is a contract-to-hire position based in Bethesda, Maryland, with a hybrid work arrangement. Work is remote until January, after which the employee is typically onsite two days each week, Tuesday and Thursday. The role works with payroll, timekeeping, and accounting software, as well as Microsoft Excel, in a collaborative environment focused on accuracy, efficiency, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in payroll administration, accounting support, or a closely related field, including substantial hands-on payroll processing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage payroll processes accurately.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, wage and hour requirements, payroll deductions, and labor reporting.
• Experience reviewing timesheets, reconciling payroll records, and resolving payroll discrepancies.
• Proficiency with payroll, timekeeping, and accounting software.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including analyzing, reconciling, and validating data.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with accounting and payroll in a multi-state payroll environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting payroll and accounting functions in a federal government contracting environment.
• Familiarity with DCAA timekeeping requirements and government contract labor charging practices.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, or similar government contracting accounting systems.
• Knowledge of direct and indirect labor costs, contract billing, and financial reporting in a government contracting context.
• Experience supporting accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end accounting activities.
• Interest in process improvement initiatives and standard operating procedure development.
• Motivation to grow professionally within a rapidly expanding organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process accurate, timely biweekly payroll for employees across multiple contracts and departments.
• Review and reconcile employee timesheets, labor charges, leave balances, overtime, and payroll adjustments.
• Verify payroll information for new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, deductions, and other employee transactions.
• Identify, research, and resolve payroll discrepancies before payroll is finalized.
• Allocate labor costs to appropriate contracts, projects, and indirect charge categories.
• Coordinate with HR to ensure employee information, benefit deductions, and payroll changes are accurately reflected in payroll records.
• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Support payroll-related audits, reconciliations, and year-end reporting.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, checklists, and internal controls.
• Coordinate day-to-day accounting and financial administrative activities.
• Support monthly accounting close by preparing, reviewing, and reconciling financial information and documentation.
• Assist with accounts receivable, including invoice preparation, supporting documentation, payment tracking, and reconciliation.
• Coordinate with contracts and program management teams to validate labor and other costs supporting customer invoices.
• Support accounts payable, including vendor invoice review, expense processing, and payment coordination.
• Review and reconcile employee expense reports, travel reimbursements, and corporate credit card transactions.
• Research and resolve accounting discrepancies with internal stakeholders and external accounting partners.
• Maintain accurate financial records, trackers, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with financial reporting, audits, and other accounting activities as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and financial administrative processes for accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, checklists, and quality-control measures for payroll and accounting workflows.
• Support compliance with payroll regulations, federal government contracting requirements, and company policies.
• Handle sensitive payroll, employee, and financial information confidentially.
• Collaborate across departments to streamline workflows, improve communication, and resolve operational issues.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan, with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time off and leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave, subject to eligibility and applicable terms

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree