Payroll Specialist

Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist with 3 to 5 years of payroll and timekeeping experience to join a dynamic accounting team in a secure government-contracting environment. You will manage monthly payroll processing for full-time and part-time employees, oversee labor distributions, and ensure strict timekeeping compliance with government regulations. This role requires hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint and Paycor, strong knowledge of DCAA guidelines and multi-state payroll taxation, and a high level of discretion when handling sensitive or classified information.
Responsibilities

• Review employee timesheets twice a month to ensure accuracy and strict compliance with DCAA guidelines and internal company policies.
• Track, calculate, and process labor adjustments as needed to maintain accurate labor distributions.
• Onboard new employees, process terminations, and update employee information in Paycor to keep payroll records current and accurate.
• Administer and process monthly payroll for full-time and part-time employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliations for all payroll runs to verify completeness and accuracy of data.
• Calculate monthly Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and housing payments for PCS employees located in the UK and Australia.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing accurate labor distribution reports and payroll tax documentation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve payroll and timekeeping issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Utilize Excel, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables, to perform data reconciliation and verify payroll and labor data.
• Participate in special projects as needed, contributing payroll and timekeeping expertise to support broader organizational initiatives.

Essential Skills

• 3 to 5 years of professional payroll processing and timekeeping experience, preferably within the defense contracting industry.
• 3 to 5 years of corporate or government payroll experience.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain a CI Polygraph while employed.
• Direct, hands-on experience using Deltek Costpoint Time & Expense and Labor modules.
• Direct, hands-on experience using Paycor payroll software.
• Solid understanding of DCAA labor compliance standards.
• Strong knowledge of FLSA regulations.
• Experience with multi-state payroll taxation.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables, for data reconciliation.
• Demonstrated experience in timekeeping and T&E (Time & Expense) processes.
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive or classified personnel data.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain strict compliance in a secure government-contracting environment.

Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $105000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Individual Benefits Account (IBA)Zeta contributes an amount equivalent to 25% of your annual salary to an Individual Benefits Account (IBA). This account is used to help cover the costs of Health Benefits and Paid Time Off. The plan offers employees the flexibility to choose how they spend the money based off their own individual/family needs. The IBA can be used to pay for the following:Medical, Dental and Vision, and supplemental insurance premiumsMedical, dental, eye care, prescription costs, and co-pays not covered by insuranceChildcare reimbursementTime Off with Pay (TOWP) Any balance remaining as of December 31 in one year and not used will be paid out in the January paycheck of the following year as income.Time Off With Pay (TOWP) Zeta encourages employees to take time off during the year for rest, recreation, and family purposes. Zeta offers all full-time employees 8 weeks (320 hours) of paid time off per year. This is all-inclusive of vacation, holidays, and sick leave. The company does not have mandatory leave or holiday policy. TOWP is a taxable deduction from the IBA. 401K Zeta contributes an amount equivalent to 25% of your annual salary to all full-time employees retirement accounts. There is no waiting period, and employees are 100% vested immediately.Total Compensation ExampleA Zeta employees base salary is $100,000; total compensation is $150,000 due to the 25% contributions to both the 401K ($25,000) and IBA ($25,000).Additional Zeta BenefitsBasic Life - 100% paid by ZetaBasic Short Term and Long Term Disability - 100% paid by ZetaIdentity Theft Insurance 100% paid by ZetaSecure Travel 100% paid by ZetaHealth Advocate 100% paid by ZetaCancer Indemnity Insurance - 50% paid by ZetaAccident Protection Legal ServicesSupplemental Long Term Disability Supplemental Voluntary LifeChild Life InsuranceTuition/Certification Reimbursement Zeta offers full-time employees 100% tuition and books reimbursement for Bachelors/Masters/PhD degrees. The programs must be relevant to your work. Zetas pays 100% costs of Certifications that are relevant to your work.Benefits Update: (Be sure to share with candidates, these are great updates)Starting in January 2027, here are a few additionsoAnyone making under $150K in salary will have their medical premiums fully covered by Zeta (whether you file as single/married/family, whatever). Your IBA will remain the same so you will likely have more money available at end of yearoCurrent Zeta HSA annual contributions will be uppedFile as Single: $750 now, will be $1,250Married/Family: $1,500 now, will be $2,000
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Fairfax,VA.