Payroll Director

Agile Defense • McLean, VA

4d • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Payroll is responsible for leading and executing all aspects of the company’s payroll function, including multi-state payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and system management (UKG and Deltek Costpoint). This role requires a hands-on leader who is actively involved in day-to-day payroll operations, issue resolution, and process improvements while managing and developing payroll staff. The Director ensures payroll is accurate, timely, compliant, and audit-ready within a government contracting environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 8+ years of payroll experience, including hands-on payroll processing and direct management of payroll staff
• Experience in a government contracting environment with understanding of DCAA/FAR compliance
• Strong, hands-on payroll expertise with the ability to execute payroll end-to-end
• Deep understanding of payroll taxes, including multi-state withholding, filings, and compliance
• Experience managing the full payroll cycle (earnings, deductions, taxes, adjustments, reporting)
• Hands-on experience with UKG (or similar payroll system)
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint, including payroll postings and labor distribution
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting and General Ledger impact
• Ability to identify, research, and resolve payroll issues independently
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills and ability to partner cross-functionally

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Experience in process automation and system optimization
• Experience supporting system implementations or upgrades
• Advanced Excel skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full payroll function, including multi-state payroll processing
• Actively perform payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Review, troubleshoot, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including filings and reporting
• Oversee payroll systems (UKG), including system administration, troubleshooting, and enhancements
• Ensure accurate payroll postings and integration with Deltek Costpoint, including labor distribution
• Partner with Accounting and Finance to reconcile payroll to the General Ledger
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals and reconciliations
• Maintain audit-ready payroll processes and support internal and external audits
• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff while maintaining accountability for performance and accuracy
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce manual effort
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and payroll procedures

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager