Payroll Specialist

Aston Carter•Fairfax, VA

7d•$85,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a dynamic accounting team in a secure government-contracting environment. The role manages monthly payroll processing for full-time and part-time employees, oversees labor distributions, and ensures timekeeping compliance with government regulations. It requires hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint and Paycor, knowledge of DCAA guidelines and multi-state payroll taxation, and discretion in handling sensitive or classified information. This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Fairfax, Virginia. The anticipated salary range is $85,000 to $105,000 per year. The role requires an active TS/SCI security clearance and the ability to obtain a CI Polygraph while employed.

Requirements

3 to 5 years of professional payroll processing and timekeeping experience; defense contracting experience is preferred.
3 to 5 years of corporate or government payroll experience.
Active TS/SCI security clearance and ability to obtain a CI Polygraph while employed.
Hands-on experience using Deltek Costpoint Time & Expense and Labor modules.
Hands-on experience using Paycor payroll software.
Understanding of DCAA labor compliance standards.
Strong knowledge of FLSA regulations.
Experience with multi-state payroll taxation.
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables, for data reconciliation.
Experience with timekeeping and Time & Expense processes.
High discretion when handling sensitive or classified personnel data.
Exceptional attention to detail, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain strict compliance in a secure government-contracting environment.

Nice To Haves

Payroll processing and timekeeping experience within the defense contracting industry.

Responsibilities

Review employee timesheets twice a month for accuracy and compliance with DCAA guidelines and company policies.
Track, calculate, and process labor adjustments to maintain accurate labor distributions.
Onboard new employees, process terminations, and update employee information in Paycor.
Administer and process monthly payroll for full-time and part-time employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
Perform monthly payroll reconciliations for all payroll runs.
Calculate monthly Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and housing payments for PCS employees located in the UK and Australia.
Support internal and external audits by preparing labor distribution reports and payroll tax documentation.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve payroll and timekeeping issues.
Use Excel, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables, to reconcile data and verify payroll and labor information.
Participate in special projects, contributing payroll and timekeeping expertise.

Benefits

The employer contributes an amount equivalent to 25% of annual salary to an Individual Benefits Account (IBA), usable for health benefits and paid time off.
IBA funds may be used for medical, dental, vision, supplemental insurance premiums, medical and prescription costs, copays, childcare reimbursement, and Time Off With Pay.
Unused IBA balance remaining on December 31 is paid out in the January paycheck of the following year as income.
Full-time employees receive 8 weeks (320 hours) of paid Time Off With Pay annually, inclusive of vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
The employer contributes an amount equivalent to 25% of annual salary to full-time employees' 401(k) retirement accounts; there is no waiting period and employees are immediately 100% vested.
Basic life insurance is 100% employer-paid.
Basic short-term and long-term disability coverage is 100% employer-paid.
Identity theft insurance is 100% employer-paid.
Secure travel coverage is 100% employer-paid.
Health Advocate coverage is 100% employer-paid.
Cancer indemnity insurance is 50% employer-paid.
Additional offerings include accident protection, legal services, supplemental long-term disability, supplemental voluntary life, and child life insurance.
Full-time employees receive 100% tuition and books reimbursement for work-relevant bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees.
The employer pays 100% of the cost of work-relevant certifications.
Starting January 2027, medical premiums will be fully covered for employees earning under $150,000 in salary.
Starting January 2027, annual HSA contributions are stated to increase to $1,250 for single filers and $2,000 for married/family coverage.