Payroll Specialist

Walashek•Norfolk, VA

36d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll and related accounting functions in a government-contracting environment. This role supports multiple EINs and contract types, including Davis-Bacon and Service Contract Act (SCA) requirements, and ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and contract-specific labor regulations. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Accounting and Human Resources to maintain payroll integrity, reporting accuracy, and audit readiness.

Requirements

5–8 years of experience in payroll processing, accounting, or bookkeeping
Experience processing payroll in a government contracting environment strongly preferred
Experience in Unanet and iSolve payroll and time-and-attendance systems is a plus
Working knowledge of Davis-Bacon and Service Contract Act (SCA) payroll requirements
Proficiency in payroll tax processing, including Forms 940 and 941
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
ERP experience in a manufacturing or government-contracting environment preferred
Thorough knowledge of payroll accounting, general ledger systems, chart of accounts, and internal controls
Strong understanding of federal, state, local, and contract-specific employment and labor laws
High attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct payroll discrepancies
Strong analytical, documentation, research, and problem-resolution skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll and reporting deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively within a team
Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and a strong work ethic

Responsibilities

Enter new hires and process employee terminations in payroll and time-and-attendance systems (Unanet) HR puts employee info into iSolve to keep things separate
Perform extensive manual payroll entry corrections, adjustments, and reconciliations as required
Process payroll changes, including tax updates, direct deposits, garnishments, employee addresses, and benefit elections
Process weekly certified payrolls and bi-weekly payroll for multiple EINs, including Davis-Bacon and SCA contract payroll requirements
Ensure compliance with Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations and fringe benefit requirements
Process prevailing wage payroll for Washington (WA) and Rhode Island (RI) as needed
Process and reconcile payroll items related to per diem, travel reimbursements, hardship pay, danger pay, and other special compensation for overseas workers
Administer and track Overseas Housing and Living Allowance (OHLA) distributions
Process employee garnishments, levies, and wage attachments in accordance with legal requirements
Assist Human Resources with benefit administration and reconciliations as needed, including: Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance 401(k) plans Union 104 and Union 502 benefit reporting and reconciliations
Serve as backup administrator for time-and-attendance systems
Attend and complete required training related to federal, state, and local labor law changes applicable to company operations
Assist with monthly financial statement preparation, payroll accruals, and month-end and year-end close processes
Perform monthly reconciliations of all payroll-related general ledger accounts
Assist with daily and monthly bank reconciliations
Maintain accurate payroll documentation to support audits, government reviews, and internal controls
Perform other duties as assigned