PAYROLL SPECIALIST

VETPRIDE SERVICES INC•Raleigh, NC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

VetPride Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced payroll leader to assist with payroll operations across a complex, multi-site government and military contracting environment. This role requires deep expertise in federal contracting compliance, including Prevailing Wage (SCA and DBA), Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), Federal Wage Determinations, Health & Welfare (H&W) requirements, and multi state payroll regulations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast paced environment and can confidently manage payroll operations supporting 35+ sites and 300+ employees. This role partners closely with leadership, project managers, HR and employees to ensure accurate timekeeping, labor allocation, and full regulatory compliance. Success in this role requires strong analytical capability, exceptional attention to detail, and a high degree of confidentiality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent certification
7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility
Demonstrated experience with: Government and/or military contracting payroll, Multi-state payroll processing, Health & Welfare fringe benefit administration
Strong working knowledge of: Prevailing wage determinations, Certified payroll reporting, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Service Contract Act (SCA) and Davis-Bacon Act (DBA)
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting VA, DoD, or other federal government contracts
Experience with payroll system optimization or process improvement initiatives
Experience managing payroll for 300+ employees across multiple sites
Experience preparing for audits and compliance reviews
Demonstrated success in payroll system implementation or transformation initiatives
Advanced proficiency with ADP Workforce Now

Responsibilities

Lead end‑to‑end payroll operations across multiple states and jurisdictions
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including government contract requirements
Administer complex payroll structures, including: Union pay agreements and CBA‑driven pay rules, Prevailing wage requirements and certified payroll reporting, Health & Welfare fringe benefit calculations and allocations
Oversee payroll processing in ADP Workforce Now, driving accuracy, efficiency, and system optimization
Ensure compliance with Department of Labor (DOL), Service Contract Act (SCA), and Davis‑Bacon Act (DBA) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations
Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance reporting
Establish and continuously improve payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls
Partner with HR, Finance, and Contracts teams to ensure alignment on compensation, compliance, and workforce data
Serve as the organization’s subject‑matter expert on payroll compliance and government contracting requirements
Supervise and mentor payroll staff, as applicable
Maintain strict confidentiality of employees and company information.