Payroll Specialist

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee- owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

The Payroll Specialist supports the Senior Payroll Administrator in the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for approximately 460+ employees across 13+ states. This role assists with day-to-day payroll operations, employee payroll transactions, payroll reporting, reconciliations, and compliance-related activities while maintaining the confidentiality and accuracy of employee payroll records.

The Payroll Specialist will work closely with the Senior Payroll Administrator, Human Resources, Accounting, and employees to ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and deadlines are consistently met. Responsibilities include processing payroll for new hires and terminations, maintaining employee payroll information, administering deductions, responding to employee inquiries, assisting with audits and year-end activities, and supporting payroll system testing and process improvements.

The successful candidate will bring prior hands-on payroll experience, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage recurring responsibilities in a deadline-driven environment. The role will also support cross-training and documentation to promote continuity and consistency within the payroll function.

Discover your future with us.

Primary responsibilities:

Payroll Processing and Employee Transactions

• Review and process weekly timesheets and labor transactions, ensuring timekeeping practices comply with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements and company policies.
• Assist with processing bi-weekly payroll for salaried and hourly employees across multiple states.
• Process payroll transactions associated with new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, and employee status or compensation changes.
• Process statutory and voluntary deductions, including taxes, 401(k) contributions and loans, benefits, wage garnishments, and child support orders.
• Assist with 401(k) payroll remittances and related reconciliation activities.
• Verify calculations for overtime, PTO, sick leave, and other applicable leave types.
• Process biweekly leave accruals and maintain accurate supporting records.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee payroll records, including employee setup, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, and benefit information.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, tax withholdings, and other payroll-related matters in a timely and professional manner.
• Support payroll reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and assist with timely resolution of payroll errors.
• Assist with year-end payroll processing, reconciliations, reporting, and related adjustments.
• Provide backup support for routine payroll processing and related responsibilities to help maintain continuity during employee absences and peak workload periods.

Compliance, Reporting, and Internal Controls

• Assist with maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll requirements and company policies.
• Assist with the preparation, review, and reconciliation of quarterly and annual payroll tax reports.
• Support payroll audits by gathering supporting documentation, reconciling information, and responding to audit requests.
• Assist with payroll system testing, upgrades, and configuration changes to help ensure payroll processes continue to function accurately.
• Maintain organized payroll documentation and support the development and updating of process instructions and backup procedures.
• Identify discrepancies, recurring processing issues, and opportunities to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency, escalating complex or unusual matters to the appropriate team member or supervisor.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Flextime Scheduling
• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

• 401K Retirement Plan Contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Funds

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

Qualities We Look For:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Working knowledge of payroll principles, procedures, deductions, and applicable payroll regulations.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and commitment to payroll accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize recurring deadlines and competing assignments.
• Ability to handle confidential employee, compensation, and payroll information with discretion.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research discrepancies and follow issues through resolution.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to communicate professionally with employees and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities while collaborating effectively with the broader team.
• Willingness to learn established processes, participate in cross-training, and provide backup support for critical payroll functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other standard business applications.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and composure in a deadline-driven environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant work experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience in a comparable role.
• Experience processing payroll transactions involving new hires, terminations, employee deductions, garnishments, benefits, and payroll adjustments.
• Experience supporting payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, or year-end payroll activities.
• Experience with multi-state payroll is preferred.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now is preferred; familiarity with payroll reporting and report generation is a plus.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint is preferred.

The salary range for this role is $65,000 – $80,000/yr; however, Areté considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.

Areté does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies, search firms, or third-party recruiters. All agency engagements must be authorized in advance through a written agreement with Areté's Human Resources Department. Areté will not be responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited submissions, and any such submissions will be considered the property of Areté without obligation to the submitting party.