Payroll Director

About Agile Defense

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: 1516

Job Title: Payroll Director

Location: Remote to McLean, VA

SUMMARY

The Director of Payroll is responsible for leading and executing all aspects of the company’s payroll function, including multi-state payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and system management (UKG and Deltek Costpoint). This role requires a hands-on leader who is actively involved in day-to-day payroll operations, issue resolution, and process improvements while managing and developing payroll staff. The Director ensures payroll is accurate, timely, compliant, and audit-ready within a government contracting environment.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead and manage the full payroll function, including multi-state payroll processing

· Actively perform payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance

· Review, troubleshoot, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries

· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including filings and reporting

· Oversee payroll systems (UKG), including system administration, troubleshooting, and enhancements

· Ensure accurate payroll postings and integration with Deltek Costpoint, including labor distribution

· Partner with Accounting and Finance to reconcile payroll to the General Ledger

· Support month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals and reconciliations

· Maintain audit-ready payroll processes and support internal and external audits

· Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff while maintaining accountability for performance and accuracy

· Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce manual effort

· Maintain and strengthen internal controls and payroll procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Certifications

· Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred but not required

Education, Background, and Years of Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required

· 8 years of payroll experience, including hands-on payroll processing and direct management of payroll staff

· Experience in a government contracting environment with understanding of DCAA/FAR compliance

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills

· Strong, hands-on payroll expertise with the ability to execute payroll end-to-end

· Deep understanding of payroll taxes, including multi-state withholding, filings, and compliance

· Experience managing the full payroll cycle (earnings, deductions, taxes, adjustments, reporting)

· Hands-on experience with UKG (or similar payroll system)

· Experience with Deltek Costpoint, including payroll postings and labor distribution

· Strong understanding of payroll accounting and General Ledger impact

· Ability to identify, research, and resolve payroll issues independently

· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

· Effective communication skills and ability to partner cross-functionally

Preferred Skills

· Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

· Experience in process automation and system optimization

· Experience supporting system implementations or upgrades

· Advanced Excel skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

· Office environment with standard business equipment

· Primarily sedentary work

Strength Demands

· Minimal physical effort required

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit for extended periods

· Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and phone for prolonged periods

· Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds

Our Core Values

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

We also believe in supporting our employees by offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. To explore the benefits we offer, please visit our website under the Careers section.

Happy - Be Infectious.

Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.

Helpful - Be Supportive.

Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.

Honest - Be Trustworthy.

Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.

Humble - Be Grounded.

Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.

Hungry - Be Eager.

Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.

Hustle - Be Driven.

Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities