Payroll and Benefits Manager

Aptive•Alexandria, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Aptive is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager to lead payroll operations and oversee benefits administration in a dynamic, multi-state government contracting environment. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Accounting, this role ensures accurate, compliant, and well-controlled payroll processing across biweekly and semi-monthly cycles, while maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Service Contract Act (SCA) fringe compliance, and effective vendor management. This position partners closely with People Operations to deliver a high-quality employee experience while maintaining strong internal controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. Hybrid work is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll processing.
Experience with Service Contract Act (SCA) compliance and fringe/H&W administration.
Hands-on experience with ADP and Unanet.
Experience managing benefits vendors and conducting complex invoice reconciliations.
Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial controls.
Advanced Excel proficiency and strong analytical skills.
Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to support employees professionally and responsively.
Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to partner effectively across Finance and People Operations.

Nice To Haves

CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar certification.
Experience administering ICHRA or other consumer-directed health arrangements.
Experience in a government contractor environment.
Experience supporting DOL, DCAA, or external compliance audits.

Responsibilities

Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles.
Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Administer payroll tax filings, garnishments, deductions, statutory remittances, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s).
Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and project cost structures within Unanet, ensuring alignment with financial reporting.
Establish, document, and strengthen internal payroll controls to mitigate financial and compliance risk.
Maintain payroll system integrity across ADP and Unanet, including audits of data accuracy and system updates.
Support internal and external audits, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
Partner with People Operations on employee lifecycle changes, ensuring timely and accurate compensation and fringe updates.
Serve as primary liaison with benefits administrators, brokers, and third-party vendors.
Oversee enrollments, eligibility tracking, and life event changes in coordination with People Operations.
Track and reconcile H&W hours, fringe allocations, excess dollars, and premium invoices with a strong focus on financial accuracy.
Administer ICHRA programs, ensuring accurate eligibility validation, stipend reconciliation, and funding controls.
Conduct detailed invoice reviews and reconciliations to ensure alignment between payroll deductions, employer contributions, and vendor billing.
Support open enrollment and employee benefits communications with a service-oriented approach.
Ensure compliance with Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations and fringe requirements.
Maintain well-documented, audit-ready payroll and benefits processes.
Generate payroll, fringe, and benefits reporting for Finance leadership and executive review.
Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring payroll-related entries are timely and accurate.
Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
Assist with preparation and filing of corporate tax installments and related administrative filings.
Support coordination with external tax advisors and auditors.
Maintain organized payroll and financial documentation to support regulatory and compliance requirements.
Provide support for financial reporting and broader compliance initiatives as needed.