Payroll Manager

What Impact You'll Have We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and leadership-minded Payroll Manager to oversee day-to-day payroll operations and manage our processing team in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment. Serving as the primary point of contact for the team and the bridge to department leadership, this role requires a hands-on manager who doesn't just delegate, but actively monitors operational deadlines, ensures compliance, and possesses the technical capability to step into production seamlessly whenever needed. The ideal candidate is an intuitive problem-solver who anticipates bottlenecks, enforces structural accountability, and maintains a high sense of operational urgency without requiring constant direction. This position is primarily remote; however, candidates must reside within the DMV area to support in-person events, team meetings, and business needs, as required, at or near our McLean, VA headquarters. What success looks like in this role The payroll team operates like a well-oiled machine, consistently hitting milestones ahead of final processing windows. System and workbook variances are caught, researched, and resolved at the manager level, requiring zero escalation or rework from senior leadership. The department maintains absolute processing continuity because the Manager can seamlessly back up any desk or entity on the team without a gap in execution. Issues are managed proactively through high-level preparation, oversight, and a collaborative, defensive-line mindset. What You'll be Owning Serve as the main point of contact and tactical leader for the payroll processing team, providing daily guidance, clearing operational bottlenecks, and fostering accountability. Actively monitor the structured payroll calendar, ensuring the team meets all preliminary data, review, and final submission deadlines with zero slippage. Maintain complete, hands-on mastery of our payroll and timekeeping systems to independently step in and execute processing runs, manual calculations, or adjustments at a moment's notice. Anticipate team and system processing issues before they impact deadlines; step into the trenches to troubleshoot complex variances (e.g., 401k, tax, or labor posting discrepancies) without waiting to be asked. Oversee the team’s preliminary workbook balances, timesheet administration metrics, and payroll inputs to guarantee a 10/10 level of accuracy before submission. Partner effectively with HR, Finance, and HRIS teams to manage multi-state compliance and support upcoming system integration and data validation cycles. Ensure team training materials, system job aids, and standard operating procedures are continuously updated so the team can execute workflows independently and consistently. What You Must Have US Citizenship is required. 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or team-lead capacity. Strong background in a multi-entity, multi-state environment; & multi-cycle experience in government contracting (GovCon) is required. Recent, hands-on processing proficiency in ADP Workforce Now is required. GovCon Timekeeping systems (ie. Unanet) is required. Proven track record of managing a team through high-volume, strict deadline environments with minimal oversight. Exceptional organizational skills and a sharp eye for operational detail, data balancing, and internal controls. Demonstrated capability to retain complex training, adapt quickly to evolving organizational workflows, and drive team performance through changes. What Would be Nice to Have A leader who stays locked into the processing cycle with the team until final transmission and confirmation are complete. A self-starter who researches system mechanics and resolves team roadblocks autonomously rather than escalating standard issues up. Comfortable holding the team accountable to performance metrics and enforcing corporate deadlines across the broader organization. Possesses an intuitive "jump-in" mindset, stepping up to assist with volume or technical hurdles before they turn into a crisis. Unanet Timekeeping System is highly preferred. Pay Range: At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications. We’re proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off. Virginia Pay Range $115,000 — $120,000 USD Why Choose GRVTY The toughest national security challenges demand vision and ingenuity, not just resources. We deliver mission and technical expertise to outpace our adversaries. We’re purpose-built to tackle the most entrenched, systemic national security issues around the world. We partner with our customers to help them overcome challenges in every corner of technology and defense—including the ones still being explored. Our growing capabilities create complementary advantages, giving on-the-ground operations the edge they need to succeed. We muster everything we have to answer every challenge presented, every day of our lives. At GRVTY, we believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. • Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision • Health Savings Account with company contribution • Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays • Paid Parental Leave • 401k with generous company match • Training and Development Opportunities • Award Programs • Variety of Company Sponsored Events EEO Statement GRVTY, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations should email [email protected] or call 703-544-7930 with requested details.  A member of the HR team will respond to your request within 2 business days. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) Please review our current job openings and apply for the positions you believe may be a fit. If you are not an immediate fit, we will also keep your resume in our database for future opportunities.