Payroll Specialist - Personal Services Contractor

• Execute and support end-to-end payroll operations, including payroll processing, retirement contribution processing, validation, and reporting.
• Perform accounting functions and financial analyses to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of payroll transactions.
• Reconcile payroll data and financial records, identifying and resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Maintain and verify official payroll and accounting records in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Serve as plan administrator for 401(k) retirement plan and recording secretary for the OTA 401(k) Advisory Board. 
• Validate and process travel compensation time requests.
• Support audits by preparing documentation and responding to payroll-related inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, agency policies, and system requirements governing payroll operations.
• Provide cross-functional support to other financial specialists on non-payroll-related accounting or financial activities, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience performing payroll operations, including application of pay and leave rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax requirements, including wage bases, Social Security limits, and retirement contribution limits (e.g., 401(k)).
• Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Strong analytical and technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook) for data analysis, reporting, reconciliation, and document preparation.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and identify and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with National Finance Center (NFC) payroll systems and Treasury accounting systems.
• Working experience with GovTA, Paycheck8, and Insight.
• Familiarity with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) and travel compensation time (travel comp) policy and their impact on payroll and reimbursement processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, accounting, or financial operations.

Please note: These are PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR positions; NOT civil service positions. Must be U.S. citizen.

SALARY: In accordance with program regulations and based on demonstrated salary history, the current hourly rate is from $33.84 to $63.80 per hour.

Background checks and Security Clearance: Public Trust.  Candidates will need to be eligible to obtain and maintain appropriate level of clearance.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants (individuals) should submit a cover letter and resume by e-mail to: [email protected]. Companies should not submit resumes on behalf of individuals. For consideration, emailed applications should not be sent, or contain a cc, to any OTA, IRS, or other government personnel or email address.

When e-mailing, the subject line must contain the following: Solicitation 2032K826R00013 – Payroll Specialist – Applicant’s Last Name, First Name. Emails received not containing this subject line will be deemed non-responsive and will not be forwarded to the program office/selection official(s) for consideration.

No phone calls please and no hand carries.  Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted.

This announcement is open and continuous through June 30, 2026, although selections may be made in advance of that date.  

Please be advised that all contractors, if hired, must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and must maintain SAM registration.

The U.S. Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.