Senior Payroll Administrator

At Arete, 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.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Administrator for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for 460+ employees across 13+ states. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and company policies. The Senior Payroll Administrator maintains confidential employee payroll records, resolves payroll discrepancies, and provides excellent customer service to employees regarding payroll-related inquiries, as well as handling requests from third parties. Must work independently, consistently exercising discretion and independent judgment on individual work. May serve as lead on routine projects, tasks or assignments of limited scope. This full-time, exempt, non-supervisory position is based in our Northridge, CA office.

Payroll Processing:

• Review and process weekly timesheets/labor ensuring timekeeping practices are following Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees in 13+ states, including salary, hourly, and other special payments.
• Ensure accurate pay for new hires, terminations, and leaves of absences.
• Process statutory and voluntary deductions (e.g., taxes, 401(k), health insurance & other benefits, garnishments, child support, etc.).
• Process 401(k) remittance to provider.
• Process manual checks and off-cycle bonus payrolls as required.
• Ensure accurate calculation of overtime, PTO, sick leave, and other leave types.
• Process bi-weekly leave accruals.
• Assist in the payroll side of onboarding, educating employees on timesheets and payroll processes and policies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, changes in compensation, and benefits.
• Process and reconcile year-end payroll activities.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, tax withholdings, and other payroll-related matters in a timely and professional manner.
• Respond to requests for wage garnishments, unemployment claims, and leave of absence management.
• Assist with special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Stay current with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations across all operating states.
• Review and confirm submission of quarterly and annual payroll tax reports.
• Reconcile year end reports and process any year-end adjustments necessary for W-2s.
• Ensure compliance with all internal payroll policies and procedures.
• Generate various payroll reports as needed.

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

Health & Wellness:

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

Financial:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Seven plus years of experience processing payroll in a similar role.
• Thorough understanding of payroll principles, practices, and regulations, including those for various states.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook

Nice to have:

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now (including report writing) and Costpoint Deltek.
• Extensive experience with multi-state payroll.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $120,000; however, Arete 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

Arete 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.

Arete 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.

Arete 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 Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.