Payroll & Accounts Payable Specialist (Collective Bargaining Agreement)

The Payroll & Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and accounts payable activities in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role requires a strong understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to ensure proper application of union rules, wage scales, shift differentials, overtime, and other negotiated provisions. The position also manages vendor invoice processing, employee expense report review/approval, and related accounting tasks. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage confidential information in a fast-paced environment.

Salary is $68-75k

Responsibilities

• Process multi-state, biweekly payroll for hourly, salaried, and union employees using the company’s payroll system.
• Interpret and apply CBA provisions to ensure accurate calculation of wages, differentials, premiums, and deductions.
• Validate timekeeping data, overtime, leave accruals, and pay adjustments.
• Administer and reconcile payroll deductions including benefits, garnishments, union dues, and retirement contributions.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports, labor cost summaries, and other compliance documentation as required by Finance, HR, and external auditors.
• Support year-end activities including W-2 preparation, tax filings, and audits.
• Review, code, and process vendor invoices for payment while ensuring proper approvals and compliance with company policies.
• Verify purchase orders, contracts, and receipts to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Review and approve employee expense reports for policy compliance, including verifying receipts, expense categories, and proper documentation.
• Prepare AP aging reports, reconcile vendor and credit card statements, and assist with month-end and year-end close.

General/Other

• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Labor Relations to address union-related payroll issues, grievances, or contract interpretation questions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll tax regulations, labor law changes, and AP best practices.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase payroll and AP efficiency and accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of combined payroll and accounts payable experience in a medium to large organization.
• Direct experience working with Collective Bargaining Agreements or unionized workforces.
• Proficiency with payroll and accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• High attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience with multi-union environments or government contracting.
• Familiarity with HRIS integrations, expense management platforms, and AP automation tools.
• Unanet experience is preferred, but not necessary.

Work Environment

• On-Site Requirement: This position is on-site only at the company’s Camarillo, California headquarters. Remote or hybrid work is not available.
• Full-time schedule with periodic extended hours during payroll deadlines, month-end close, or year-end processing.

What Your Experience Working for Us Will Be Like
Ask any of our employees and they will tell you SSI is a great place to work with an upbeat and positive culture. We take pride in our work to continuously improve on our performance in a manner that enhances the mission of the agencies we serve while expanding opportunities for our employees and our company.

About Synectic Solutions, Inc. (SSI)
Synectic Solutions, Inc. (SSI), is an award-winning, 20-year government contracting agency focused on the areas of logistics, engineering, management, and information technology. SSI is a growing organization committed to exceeding customer expectations, to continually improving all products, services, and processes, and to perform all work with the commitment to upholding the highest standards and ethics.

Ready to apply?
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