Senior Payroll Specialist

GRVTY•McLean, VA

3h•$95,000 - $105,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and resourcefully independent Senior Payroll Specialist to support and execute end-to-end payroll operations in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment. This role requires a true self-starter who takes complete ownership of their desk, operates independently, maintains strict compliance, and proactively drives process improvements as the organization scales. The ideal candidate brings strong multi-state payroll experience within a government contracting (GovCon) environment and is equally comfortable managing day-to-day tactical execution and project-based initiatives, including direct administration of the timekeeping function. This position is primarily remote; however, candidates must reside within the DMV area to support in-person events, team meetings, and business needs, as required, at or near our McLean, VA headquarters.

Requirements

US Citizenship is required.
5+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including complex multi-state payroll processing.
Experience in a government contracting (GovCon) environment is strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of payroll laws, multi-state tax regulations, and labor compliance requirements.
Experience managing or supporting timekeeping systems and strict compliance processes.
Recent, hands-on proficiency with ADP Workforce Now is required.
GovCon timekeeping systems (ie. Unanet) is required.
Proven ability to manage payroll cycles independently with minimal supervision; a track record of taking initiative rather than waiting for instruction.
Exceptional level of accuracy and a 10/10 attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb new organizational workflows, retain training, and maintain personal documentation/SOPs to execute tasks without repetitive direction.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet rigid deadlines within a structured payroll calendar.

Nice To Haves

Self-starter with the ability to take total ownership, troubleshoot independently, and drive results.
Resourceful thinker who will research system capabilities and resolve issues without requiring constant step-by-step direction.
Process-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
Comfortable working in a growing, evolving acquisition environment.
Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
Unanet timekeeping system is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently execute and own end-to-end processing for multiple entities on varying schedules, ensuring complete accuracy from initial data preparation through final transmission.
Review, validate, and balance payroll to labor, ensuring seamless alignment between timekeeping and payroll systems.
Manually research, troubleshoot, and resolve system and workbook variances (such as 401k or benefit discrepancies) directly within the platform prior to final payroll submission.
Maintain strict compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including complex multi-state requirements.
Audit payroll data rigorously for accuracy, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and employee master data changes.
Partner with timekeeping systems (e.g., Unanet) to ensure proper labor distribution, posting, and reporting.
Serve as the primary Timesheet Administrator, including: Identify and resolve processing bottlenecks proactively, resourcefully, and efficiently.
Execute payroll-related reporting and support internal/external audit requests.
Assist with system integrations and implementations, including data validation, parallel testing, and payroll testing cycles.
Support continuous process improvements, documenting payroll procedures and controls to streamline operations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and HRIS teams while maintaining clear, uncompromised ownership of payroll processes.
Communicate effectively and professionally with employees and leadership regarding payroll and timekeeping matters.