Payroll Specialist

About ARES

ARES is an award-winning space and defense company, providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions on-time and within budget to high value-programs. Our clients include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Missile Defense Agency, Space Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. ARES is an 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This path allows us to continue to be an independently-managed company, focused on long-term success with an employee-centered culture. As owners, our employees are deeply invested in the success of our client’s mission, creating a collaborative, productive work environment where everyone strives toward a common goal.

Job Summary

We are looking for a detail-oriented and reliable Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a growing government contracting organization. This individual is responsible for processing payroll for more than 500 employees across multiple entities, under a holding company structure. Our workforce spans over 25 states, requiring strong knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance. The ideal candidate has prior technical payroll expertise, experience working in a multi-state environment, and familiarity with government contracting requirements. This position will be a hybrid position based out of our McLean, VA headquarters and will require in-office work two to three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Process our semi-monthly payroll for 550–600 employees across multiple companies/entities
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including wages, bonuses, deductions, and taxes across multiple states
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including multi-state and union-specific requirements
• Reconcile payroll reports, general ledger entries, and benefit deductions
• Coordinate with HR on employee data changes (new hires, terminations, promotions, multi-state transfers, etc.)
• Coordinate with management team to ensure timely and accurate completion of timecards for payroll processing
• Manage garnishments, levies, and other withholdings
• Support audits (internal and external), including DCAA audits as applicable
• Prepare payroll-related reports for leadership and finance
• Assist with year-end processing, including tax document preparation and distribution across multiple jurisdictions
• Ensure compliance with all state applications and filings
• Oversee and handle all payroll-related correspondence received at the Corporate office by mail
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and ensure best practices

Qualifications

Required:

• 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
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., reconciliations, data analysis)

Preferred:

• Experience processing payroll in a multi-entity environment
• Experience in a government contracting environment
• Experience working with union employee payroll processing
• Familiarity with DCAA compliance requirements
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation

Key Competencies:

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time management and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Customer service mindset when supporting employees, managers, and corporate team

ARES Benefits:

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA/FSA Accounts
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• ESOP
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off & Holiday

ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).