Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Location: Ashburn, VA (On-Site) Employment Type: Full-Time Since 1996, C2 Essentials has provided Human Capital Management services, specializing in supporting federal contractors. We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Payroll Specialist who is accurate, organized, comfortable with technology, and able to manage multiple deadlines. C2 uses modern technology, automation, and AI to streamline routine processes so our payroll professionals can focus on accuracy, compliance, problem-solving, and results. Responsibilities • Process and review payroll accurately and on schedule • Review employee payroll data, earnings, deductions, taxes, and adjustments • Research and resolve payroll discrepancies • Handle payroll changes, corrections, and special payments • Assist with federal, state, and local payroll tax matters • Support multi-state payroll processing • Reconcile payroll-related accounts and reports • Respond to payroll questions and research issues through resolution • Coordinate with other departments when issues cross functions • Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation • Use technology, automation, and AI to improve efficiency and accuracy • Manage multiple deadlines and priorities • Take ownership of assigned issues through completion Qualifications • 3–6 years of hands-on payroll experience • Experience processing payroll from beginning to end • Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll requirements • Experience with multi-state payroll • Strong reconciliation and problem-solving skills • Strong attention to detail and accuracy • Ability to research discrepancies and determine the cause • Ability to manage multiple deadlines and changing priorities • Comfortable learning new technology, automation, and AI tools • Comfortable working in a fast-moving, on-site environment Preferred • Experience with payroll and HRIS systems • FPC or CPP certification Who Succeeds at C2 Successful payroll professionals at C2 are accurate, dependable, curious, and persistent. When something doesn’t reconcile, they investigate it. When an issue arises, they take ownership and follow it through resolution. C2 Essentials is an Equal Opportunity Employer.