Junior Payroll Administrator

Are you looking for a challenge? Ready to join an innovative organization with room to grow? We can help!

Terrestris, LLC, an SBA-certified 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), is seeking a Junior Payroll Specialist to support our growing operations. The Payroll Specialist will coordinate and support payroll functions within our Accounting team, handling both exempt and non-exempt employees to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing.

This role requires an understanding of government contracting compliance, federal and state labor laws, and payroll regulations. You'll work closely with Accounting, HR, and program teams, collaborating across the organization to support smooth operations and compliance, with payroll processed through Paylocity.

This position reports to the Accounting and Business Operations Manager and is based in Springfield and Woodbridge, VA offices with a hybrid schedule (minimum 4 days in office, Fridays remote).

What Your Day Looks Like:

• Process payroll in Paylocity and perform administrative data entry tasks.
• Maintain accurate financial records in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Process Accounts Payable (A/P) and Accounts Receivable (A/R) transactions.
• Support the CFO with bank and account reconciliations.
• Organize and maintain financial documentation and filing systems.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow).
• Pay vendors using ACH or Wire Transfers.
• Generate management reports and financial presentations.
• Monitor compliance with tax laws, regulations, and government requirements.
• Support DCAA, GSA, and IRS audit readiness and responses.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Improve internal controls and recommend process improvements.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Business Development, and Operations teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting (or equivalent education/experience).
• 1+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or payroll roles.
• Experience with ERP payroll systems such as Paylocity, Paychex, or similar.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, A/P, A/R, payroll processing, and reconciliations.
• Experience with budgets, EACs (Estimates at Completion), and projections.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills—both oral and written.
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Experience working in cross-functional or multicultural environments is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting government customers and federal government contracting.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and accounting best practices.

What Does Terrestris Offer?

We offer outstanding benefits including:

• Health, life, disability, and financial benefits
• Retirement plans
• Paid leave, professional development, and tuition assistance
• Work-life balance programs

Our award programs recognize employees for exceptional performance and service excellence. All full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for benefits. Additional offerings may apply based on employment status.

Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

DILBERT © 2018 Scott Adams. Used By permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.