Junior Payroll Administrator

Payroll Specialist

Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! Terrestris, LLC, an SBA-certified 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support our growing operations.

At Terrestris, we leverage technology to create better mission outcomes through better human performance. We form strong client and team relationships through transparency and strive to create an environment where our team can let their excellence shine through. By finding, developing, and incorporating new ideas, we provide memorable services. Rooted in the USMC values of honor, courage, and commitment, Terrestris seeks to deliver extraordinary value to the American people by helping the Government become more efficient and effective.

The Payroll Specialist will coordinate and support payroll functions within our Accounting team, handling both exempt and non-exempt employees to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing. This role requires an understanding of government contracting compliance, federal and state labor laws, and payroll regulations. You'll work closely with Accounting, HR, and program teams, collaborating across the organization to support smooth operations and compliance, with payroll processed through Paylocity. This position reports to the Accounting and Business Operations Manager and is based in Springfield and Woodbridge, VA offices with a hybrid schedule (minimum 4 days in office, Fridays remote).

You will:

• Process payroll in Paylocity and perform administrative data entry tasks.
• Maintain accurate financial records in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Process Accounts Payable (A/P) and Accounts Receivable (A/R) transactions.
• Support the CFO with bank and account reconciliations.
• Organize and maintain financial documentation and filing systems.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow).
• Pay vendors using ACH or Wire Transfers.
• Generate management reports and financial presentations.
• Monitor compliance with tax laws, regulations, and government requirements.
• Support DCAA, GSA, and IRS audit readiness and responses.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Improve internal controls and recommend process improvements.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Business Development, and Operations teams.

You might be the professional we're looking for if you have:

• Authorization to work in the United States permanently without sponsorship.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting (or equivalent education/experience).
• 1+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or payroll roles.
• Experience with ERP payroll systems such as Paylocity, Paychex, or similar.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, A/P, A/R, payroll processing, and reconciliations.
• Experience with budgets, EACs (Estimates at Completion), and projections.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skillsboth oral and written.
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Experience working in cross-functional or multicultural environments is a plus.

We are extra impressed by folks with:

• Experience supporting government customers and federal government contracting.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and accounting best practices.

We offer outstanding benefits including health, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.