Payroll Specialist - Multi-State & Government Contracting

ARES Corporation; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA/FSA Accounts

Life & Disability Insurance

Critical Illness & Accident Insurance

ESOP

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off & Holiday

Job summary

A government contracting company in McLean, VA, is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage payroll operations for over 500 employees across multiple entities. The role requires strong multi-state payroll compliance knowledge and prior payroll experience. Responsibilities include processing semi-monthly payroll, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting audits. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with payroll platforms and strong attention to detail. The position offers a hybrid work model, requiring in-office work two to three days a week.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of payroll processing experience in a multi-state environment.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience processing payroll for mid- to large-sized employee populations (200+ employees).
• Hands‑on experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll platform.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll for 550-600 employees across multiple entities.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple states.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Reconcile payroll reports and general ledger entries.
• Support audits (internal and external), including DCAA audits as applicable.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll compliance

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Data analysis

ADP Workforce Now

Microsoft Excel

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

Job description

A government contracting company in McLean, VA, is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage payroll operations for over 500 employees across multiple entities. The role requires strong multi-state payroll compliance knowledge and prior payroll experience. Responsibilities include processing semi-monthly payroll, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting audits. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with payroll platforms and strong attention to detail. The position offers a hybrid work model, requiring in-office work two to three days a week.