Payroll Specialist

ARES Corporation•McLean, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

ARES is an award-winning space and defense company, providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions on-time and within budget to high value-programs. Our clients include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Missile Defense Agency, Space Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. ARES is an 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This path allows us to continue to be an independently-managed company, focused on long-term success with an employee-centered culture. As owners, our employees are deeply invested in the success of our client’s mission, creating a collaborative, productive work environment where everyone strives toward a common goal. We are looking for a detail-oriented and reliable Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a growing government contracting organization. This individual is responsible for processing payroll for more than 500 employees across multiple entities. under a holding company structure. Our workforce spans over 25 states, requiring strong knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance. The ideal candidate has prior technical payroll expertise, experience working in a multi-state environment, and familiarity with government contracting requirements. This position will be a hybrid position based out of our McLean, VA headquarters and will require in-office work two to three days per week.

Requirements

At least 3 years of payroll processing experience in a multi-state environment
Strong understanding of payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements
Experience processing payroll for mid- to large-sized employee populations (200+ employees)
Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll platform
Experience with Deltek Costpoint
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., reconciliations, data analysis)

Nice To Haves

Experience processing payroll in a multi-entity environment
Experience in a government contracting environment
Experience working with union employee payroll processing
Familiarity with DCAA compliance requirements
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation

Responsibilities

Process our semi-monthly payroll for 550–600 employees across multiple companies/entities
Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including wages, bonuses, deductions, and taxes across multiple states
Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including multi-state and union-specific requirements
Reconcile payroll reports, general ledger entries, and benefit deductions
Coordinate with HR on employee data changes (new hires, terminations, promotions, multi-state transfers, etc.)
Coordinate with management team to ensure timely and accurate completion of timecards for payroll processing
Manage garnishments, levies, and other withholdings
Support audits (internal and external), including DCAA audits as applicable
Prepare payroll-related reports for leadership and finance
Assist with year-end processing, including tax document preparation and distribution across multiple jurisdictions
Ensure compliance with all state applications and filings
Oversee and handle all payroll-related correspondence received at the Corporate office by mail
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and ensure best practices