Payroll Manager
QuEST Defense
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
- 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.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Primarily office-based, requiring on-site presence at the customer facility for 40 hours per week.
- Extensive telephone, video conferencing and computer work in alignment with industry regulations and procedures.
- Schedule flexibility to accommodate business deadlines, including occasional early or late hours.
- Workweek typically follows a 40-hour workweek, with core (required) hours from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Heavily regulated industries with strict adherence to procedures
The physical demands described herein represent those necessary to perform the essential functions of this role successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions
The QDSS Advantage:
At QDSS our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.
- What You’ll Find Here
- Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
- Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
- A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.
- Benefits Include
- Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.
About Us
At QDSS, we are more than an engineering company—we are a force for innovation and positive change. With over 25 years of proven expertise in solving mission-critical challenges, we empower our team to push boundaries, combining deep industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative "think tank" approach.
Our vision is to be the trusted partner of choice for our defense and aerospace clients, delivering secure, sustainable, and world-class solutions that build a brighter future.
QDSS 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.
