Payroll Manager

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is part of a 25-year journey toward building a centenary company, we are driven by aspiration, hunger, and a culture of humility. As a team of remarkably diverse employees, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we're eager to hear from you. As our Payroll Manager, owns the strategy, compliance, and execution of payroll operations for a growing multi-state workforce of 700+ employees across 35+ states. This role ensures 100% accurate and timely payroll while serving as the organization's subject matter expert on payroll compliance, tax regulations, internal controls, and audit readiness. The Payroll Manager leads payroll governance, oversees systems, and partners closely with HR and Finance to ensure payroll integrity and scalability. Payroll is a critical control function within our organization - this role directly supports regulatory compliance, financial accuracy, and employee trust. Payroll Ownership & Oversight Own and oversee biweekly payroll processing for 700+ employees across 38+ states Ensure 100% accuracy of earnings, deductions, taxes, bonuses, commissions, and overtime Review and approve payroll prior to final transmission Oversee tax filings, year-end processing, W-2s, and corrections Oversee payroll analysis and reporting Maintain Backup for processing payroll as needed Compliance & Risk Management Serve as internal expert on federal, state, and local wage and tax laws Ensure compliance with FLSA, multi-state taxation, garnishments, and leave programs Maintain payroll internal controls, documentation, and SOPs Support financial statement audits, payroll audits, and tax audits Ensure proper system access controls and segregation of duties Systems & Process Leadership Act as system owner for payroll platform (ADP or equivalent) Oversee payroll configuration, earnings codes, accrual structures, and integrations Lead payroll process improvements and automation initiatives Ensure payroll reconciliations to general ledger are accurate and timely Cross-Functional Partnership Partner with HR on compensation changes, benefits deductions, and employee status changes Partner with Finance on month-end close, accruals, and labor reporting Provide payroll analytics and reporting to leadership Develop and mentor Payroll Specialist (if applicable) Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field 8+ years of progressive payroll experience and ownership Experience managing multi-state payroll (35+) Experience supporting 500-1,000+ employees Strong knowledge of wage/hour compliance and multi-state tax regulations Experience with enterprise payroll systems (ADP, UKG, Paycom, etc.) Experience supporting audits and maintaining payroll controls Advanced Excel skills CPP certification strongly preferred Preferred Qualifications: Experience in government contracting environments Familiarity with labor categories, timekeeping controls, and DCAA compliance Experience leading payroll through integration or high-growth environments This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve, and employees may be assigned additional duties as required. Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications Pay Ranges $90,000-$115,000 USD At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart - not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry - we're revolutionizing it. Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Created: 2026-03-08