Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

What Impact You'll Have

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.

What You'll be Owning

• 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.

What You Must Have

• 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.

What Would be Nice to Have

• 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.

Pay Range:  At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications. We're proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

• The pay range for this position is: $95,000 - $105,000

Pay Range: At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications.
We're proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

Virginia Pay Range

$95,000—$105,000 USD

Why Choose GRVTY

The toughest national security challenges demand vision and ingenuity, not just resources. We deliver mission and technical expertise to outpace our adversaries. We're purpose-built to tackle the most entrenched, systemic national security issues around the world.

We partner with our customers to help them overcome challenges in every corner of technology and defense—including the ones still being explored. Our growing capabilities create complementary advantages, giving on-the-ground operations the edge they need to succeed. We muster everything we have to answer every challenge presented, every day of our lives.

At GRVTY, we believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.

•    Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision  

•    Health Savings Account with company contribution  

•    Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays  

•    Paid Parental Leave   

•    401k with generous company match  

•    Training and Development Opportunities  

•    Award Programs  

•    Variety of Company Sponsored Events

EEO Statement

GRVTY, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations should email  View email address on ziprecruiter.com or call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com with requested details.  A member of the HR team will respond to your request within 2 business days. 

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov)  

Please review our current job openings and apply for the positions you believe may be a fit. If you are not an immediate fit, we will also keep your resume in our database for future opportunities.