PAYROLL SPECIALIST in Raleigh, North Carolina at VETPRIDE SERVICES INC

Job Summary

VetPride Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced payroll leader to assist with payroll operations across a complex, multi-site government and military contracting environment. This role requires deep expertise in federal contracting compliance, including Prevailing Wage (SCA and DBA), Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), Federal Wage Determinations, Health & Welfare (H&W) requirements, and multi state payroll regulations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast paced environment and can confidently manage payroll operations supporting 35+ sites and 300+ employees. Advanced experience with ADP Workforce Now is required.

This role partners closely with leadership, project managers, HR and employees to ensure accurate timekeeping, labor allocation, and full regulatory compliance. Success in this role requires strong analytical capability, exceptional attention to detail, and a high degree of confidentiality.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end payroll operations across multiple states and jurisdictions

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including government contract requirements

• Administer complex payroll structures, including:

  • Union pay agreements and CBA‑driven pay rules

  • Prevailing wage requirements and certified payroll reporting

  • Health & Welfare fringe benefit calculations and allocations

• Oversee payroll processing in ADP Workforce Now, driving accuracy, efficiency, and system optimization

• Ensure compliance with Department of Labor (DOL), Service Contract Act (SCA), and Davis‑Bacon Act (DBA) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations

• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance reporting

• Establish and continuously improve payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls

• Partner with HR, Finance, and Contracts teams to ensure alignment on compensation, compliance, and workforce data

• Serve as the organization’s subject‑matter expert on payroll compliance and government contracting requirements

• Supervise and mentor payroll staff, as applicable

• Maintain strict confidentiality of employees and company information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent certification
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Government and/or military contracting payroll
  • Multi-state payroll processing
  • Health & Welfare fringe benefit administration
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Prevailing wage determinations
  • Certified payroll reporting
  • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
  • Service Contract Act (SCA) and Davis-Bacon Act (DBA)
• Advanced proficiency with ADP Workforce Now
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting VA, DoD, or other federal government contracts
• Experience with payroll system optimization or process improvement initiatives
• Experience managing payroll for 300+ employees across multiple sites
• Experience preparing for audits and compliance reviews
• Demonstrated success in payroll system implementation or transformation initiatives

Core Competencies

• Integrity and confidentiality
• Attention to detail
• Accountability and deadline management
• Clear and effective communication
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work schedules
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Annual or performance-based bonuses
• Certification and licensing support