Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist / Accounting Support Location: Fully Remote but MUST reside in AL, CO, FL, IL, MA, MD, NC, NJ, PA, VA, or TX. Applicants must have solid internet access and a dedicated (private) workspace in their home. Employment Type: Full-Time, must be available to work and process 26 pay periods. Clearance Requirement: Must be a US Citizen who is willing to be sponsored for a US government security clearance. Position Overview: Cipher Tech is seeking an experienced and detail‑oriented Payroll Specialist who either has basic accounting expertise or a desire to develop accounting expertise. The Payroll Specialist will manage and oversee all payroll processing activities. The ideal candidate will have prior experience processing payroll through a third‑party payroll provider and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in payroll administration, benefit enrollment as it relates to payroll, multi‑state tax requirements and best practices, and compliance with federal contracting regulations. The ideal candidate will understand the nuances of multi‑state payroll processing, payroll deductions, new employee setup, and producing compliance reports related to payroll. Payroll Specialist Key Responsibilities Manage and process bi‑weekly payroll for 100+ employees, including exempt and non‑exempt staff across multiple states. Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll, benefits, bonuses, reimbursements, deductions, new hires, terminations, and other salary actions. Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations, including DCAA requirements. Collaborate with HR, finance accounting manager, managers, and partners to reconcile timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and support audits. Lead internal payroll reporting and analytics efforts using Microsoft Excel techniques that include pivot tables, v‑lookups, macros, etc. (Experience using these Excel features, not creating them, is required.) Oversee payroll tax filings and coordinate with third‑party vendors when necessary. Continuously assess and enhance payroll systems, controls, and processes. Accounting Assistant Key Responsibilities Process accounts payable transactions, including entering invoices, verifying documentation, and issuing payments through the accounting system. Establish, maintain, and update time‑keeping records. Enter and reconcile employee timesheet data into customer and prime contractor time‑keeping systems to ensure accuracy and compliance. Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities US Citizenship (no exceptions). Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or other business‑related discipline or equivalent experience. Five years or more of payroll experience processing with a third‑party provider (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Paylocity). Proven experience processing payroll for a federal contractor or government agency. At least two years of experience with accrual‑based accounting. In‑depth knowledge of payroll compliance, multi‑state payroll, and federal contractor requirements. Experience using pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and macros. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Independent judgement and a strong initiative to troubleshoot, research, and follow up accordingly. Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality. Outstanding organizational skills and extreme attention to detail. Availability to enter data for review on a scheduled requirement basis. Proficient with using technology to include VPNs, Remote Desktop, Outlook/Excel, secure computing practices, etc. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency with QuickBooks, Unanet, and/or another integrated system. Familiarity with U.S. Government contracting, DCAA, FAR compliance. Experience with government contract invoicing preferred to include different contract types (Fixed Price, CPFF, T&M). CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification). Benefits Mission focused work environment. Subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance. HSA contributions. 401k matching. Holiday and Paid Time Off (PTO). Monthly WAN parties & quarterly events. Salary and other Compensation The salary range for this position: $75,000 - $80,000. The salary range for this position is subject not only to the hire's skills, education, expertise, and years of experience, but also to features of the final position offered to the hire: including, but not limited to the location of the position, clearance required for the position, and the contract associated with the position. Cipher Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All hiring and employment decisions are made on the basis of business requirements, performance, and merit with no regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr