HR Specialist Payroll & Processing

POSITION TITLE: Payroll & Processing Specialist

LOCATION: Remote

CLEARANCE: Must be able to obtain a High-Risk Public Trust 

COMPANY OVERVIEW  

At APV, we’re more than a technology company — we’re a mission-driven powerhouse transforming organizations through advanced technology and human ingenuity. Our expertise spans AI/ML, data architecture, low-code/no-code development, Agile DevSecOps, and cloud services, delivering scalable and meaningful solutions. 

In our Emerging Technology Lab, innovation drives progress. Our teams create intelligent chatbots, AI-powered assistants, robotic process automation (RPA), essay graders, and data analytics platforms. If you’re passionate about solving complex challenges and shaping the future, APV is the place for you. Since 2007, we’ve partnered with federal and state agencies to deliver IT, training, and consulting solutions that achieve mission-critical outcomes. Built on accountability, integrity, and quality, we go beyond expectations. With 70 prime contracts and a proven record of client success, APV continues to grow — and we’re looking for exceptional talent to grow with us. 

At APV, we Always Provide Value

POSITION SUMMARY 

APV is seeking a Payroll & Processing Specialist to provide full-performance level support to DHS OCHCO and component HR offices. The Payroll & Processing Specialist independently performs the full range of routine and moderately complex personnel action processing, pay corrections, T&A support, and customer service activities. This role applies to the OPM Guide to Processing Personnel Actions, Title 5 pay authorities, FLSA, and DHS policy with limited supervision. The Payroll & Processing Specialist drafts standard SF-50s and SF-52s, processes routine pay corrections, performs quality reviews, and escalates complex or precedent-setting issues to senior personnel. 

DUTIES 

Personnel Action Processing

• Process the full range of routine personnel actions, including appointments, conversions, promotions, reassignments, details, within-grade increases, separations, and retirements.
• Apply the OPM Guide to Processing Personnel Actions (GPPA) to ensure correct NOAC selection, legal authority citation, effective date determination, and remarks language.
• Prepare SF-50s and SF-52s with accurate position, pay plan, series, grade, step, salary, and authority data.
• Verify time-in-grade, qualifications, and supporting documentation prior to processing actions.
• Maintain accurate processing logs, supporting documentation, and audit-ready case files. 

Pay Administration & Routine Corrections

• Process routine pay corrections, including missed within-grade increases, premium pay reconciliations, leave audit corrections, and shift differential adjustments.
• Process step increases, locality adjustments, and special rate updates in accordance with established schedules.
• Support back pay calculations and retroactive corrections under senior review.
• Coordinate routine debt collection notifications and offset processing under SOP.
• Process lump-sum annual leave payments, severance pay, and routine final salary calculations. 

T&A Support & NFC Coordination

• Process T&A corrections, leave audits, and pay-related adjustments through webTA and NFC environments.
• Coordinate routine NFC service requests, error corrections, and processing window management.
• Reconcile pay records with personnel actions to identify routine discrepancies and drive corrections.
• Support end-of-year processing, leave-year transitions, and tax-related corrections under senior direction.
• Maintain accurate processing logs and supporting documentation. 

Quality Reviews, Customer Service & Process Adherence

• Perform routine quality reviews of SF-50s, SF-52s, and pay corrections using established scoring rubrics; flag deficiencies for senior review. 
• Respond to employee, manager, and HR partner inquiries on processing status, pay, and personnel actions with clear, plain-language guidance.
• Document customer interactions, follow-up actions, and case notes accurately and consistently.
• Support case calibration sessions, peer reviews, and quality control activities.
• Escalate complex, contested, or precedent-setting cases to senior specialists. 

Process Improvement & Knowledge Management

• Identify recurring processing issues and recommend SOP updates, job aid improvements, and training enhancements.
• Contribute to SharePoint knowledge repositories, intake forms, status trackers, and standard templates.
• Support quality control activities, including peer reviews and case file audits.
• Participate in working groups, lessons-learned reviews, and process mapping sessions. 
• Maintain current knowledge of GPPA, Title 5 pay authorities, and DHS-specific guidance. 

EDUCATION  

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field. Equivalent federal payroll and processing experience may substitute based on contract terms. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum 5-7 years of federal HR or payroll experience, including hands-on personnel action processing and pay corrections.
• Working knowledge of the OPM Guide to Processing Personnel Actions; 5 USC Chapters 53, 55, and 57; 5 CFR Parts 530, 531, 550, and 551.
• Hands-on experience with NFC systems, including EmpowHR, EPP/MyEPP, and webTA.
• Demonstrated ability to apply correct NOAC, legal authority, and effective date determinations consistently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear documentation and respond professionally to employees and HR partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a steady workload with limited supervision in a fully remote environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a High-Risk Public Trust or equivalent federal client access.   This role supports sensitive federal programs and involves elevated access to systems and data.
• Position requires the current ability to obtain and maintain required access without interruption in alignment with long-term program needs. 
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Prior experience supporting DHS or DHS component HR or payroll offices.
• FPC, CPP, FedHR, or active progress toward federal HR or payroll certification.
• Experience with IRIS, PCC2000, or comparable NFC inquiry tools.
• Experience supporting RIF, reorganization, or transfer-of-function processing.
• Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online experience supporting case tracking and knowledge management. 

ABOUT APV 

APV is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status.