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Contract Payroll Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Aptive

Payroll and Benefits Sr. Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles. * Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal ...

Aptive

Payroll and Benefits Sr. Analyst

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles. * Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal ...

Aptive

Payroll and Benefits Sr. Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles. * Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal ...

Aptive

Payroll and Benefits Sr. Analyst

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles. * Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal ...

Umd

HR & Payroll Coordinator

College Park, MD · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

... contracts, student appointment documentation, and other employment records. -Maintain personnel ... Payroll Processing & Timekeeping -Monitor and review employee time entry to ensure accuracy and ...

Simos

Payroll - Project Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

The Payroll PM will work alongside the broader workstreams to determine process impacts from ... Medical / Dental Insurance Employment Type & Shifts * Full Time * Temporary or Contract * 1st Shift ...

Granules

HR Operations & Payroll Specialist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Prepare employment letters, contracts, and documentation in alignment with company policies * Review HR-related invoices and submit them to the CHRO or Accounting for payment processing Payroll ...

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All JobsContract Payroll JobsContract Payroll Jobs in Reston, VA

Contract Payroll information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$28

$40

How much do contract payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract payroll in Reston, VA is $28.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract payroll?

Contract payroll refers to the process of managing and processing payroll for employees who are hired on a contract basis rather than as permanent staff. This involves handling payments, withholding taxes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws specific to contract workers. Contract payroll can be managed internally by a company or outsourced to specialized payroll service providers. It helps businesses remain flexible with staffing while ensuring contractors are paid correctly and on time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract payroll specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Payroll Specialist, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and relevant labor laws, often backed by experience in finance or accounting and sometimes a payroll certification like CPP. Familiarity with payroll software systems such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks is typically required to efficiently manage payroll tasks. Excellent attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and maintain confidentiality while collaborating with employees and management. These skills are crucial for ensuring timely and compliant payroll processing, which supports employee satisfaction and organizational integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract payroll roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in contract payroll roles often encounter challenges such as managing multiple client accounts with varying pay schedules, staying up-to-date with frequent changes in tax regulations, and ensuring strict compliance with labor laws. Effective organization, attention to detail, and consistent communication with clients are crucial for success. Utilizing updated payroll software and attending regular compliance training can also help mitigate errors and streamline processes.

What is the difference between Contract Payroll vs Contract Accountant?

AspectContract PayrollContract Accountant
Required CredentialsBasic payroll processing knowledge, sometimes certifications like ADP or PaychexAccounting degree, CPA or similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPayroll departments, HR teams, or outsourced payroll firmsAccounting firms, finance departments, or freelance accounting roles
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for payroll managementUsed in finance, accounting, and auditing sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding payroll-specific roles and contractsComparing accounting roles and contract work

Contract Payroll roles focus on processing employee wages, tax deductions, and compliance, often requiring payroll-specific certifications. Contract Accountant positions involve broader accounting responsibilities, financial analysis, and often require accounting degrees and certifications. While both are contract-based finance roles, Contract Payroll is specialized in payroll management, whereas Contract Accountants handle comprehensive accounting tasks.

Do contract payroll jobs pay higher?

Contract payroll jobs typically offer higher hourly wages compared to permanent positions to compensate for the lack of benefits and job security. However, overall compensation may vary based on industry, experience, and the specific employer, and contract roles often require specialized payroll or accounting skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Payroll jobs in Reston, VA?

For Contract Payroll jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Payroll jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Payroll jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Contract Payroll jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Contract Payroll job openings:

Contract Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Payroll job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,282 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Payroll and Benefits Sr. Analyst

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Aptive
Chemical Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Aptiveexternal

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Aptive Environmental rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 35 rated pest control companies

Job description

Job Summary
Aptive is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Sr. Analyst to support payroll operations and benefits administration in a dynamic, multi-state government contracting environment. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Accounting, this role ensures accurate, compliant, and well-controlled payroll processing across biweekly and semi-monthly cycles, while maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Service Contract Act (SCA) fringe compliance, and effective vendor management. The position requires experience with payroll calculations, benefits administration with an extreme focus on detail in a quantitative environment.
This position partners closely with People Operations to deliver a high-quality employee experience while maintaining strong internal controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. Hybrid work is preferred.
Primary Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Financial Controls (Primary Responsibility)
  • Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles.
  • Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Administer payroll tax filings, garnishments, deductions, statutory remittances, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s).
  • Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and project cost structures within Unanet, ensuring alignment with financial reporting.
  • Establish, document, and strengthen internal payroll controls to mitigate financial and compliance risk.
  • Maintain payroll system integrity across ADP and Unanet, including audits of data accuracy and system updates.
  • Support internal and external audits, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
  • Partner with People Operations on employee lifecycle changes, ensuring timely and accurate compensation and fringe updates.
Benefits Administration & Vendor Oversight
  • Serve as primary liaison with benefits administrators, brokers, and third-party vendors.
  • Oversee enrollments, eligibility tracking, and life event changes in coordination with People Operations.
  • Track and reconcile H&W hours, fringe allocations, excess dollars, and premium invoices with a strong focus on financial accuracy.
  • Administer ICHRA programs, ensuring accurate eligibility validation, stipend reconciliation, and funding controls.
  • Conduct detailed invoice reviews and reconciliations to ensure alignment between payroll deductions, employer contributions, and vendor billing.
  • Support open enrollment and employee benefits communications with a service-oriented approach.
Compliance, Reporting & Governance
  • Ensure compliance with Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations and fringe requirements.
  • Maintain well-documented, audit-ready payroll and benefits processes.
  • Generate payroll, fringe, and benefits reporting for Finance leadership and executive review.
  • Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring payroll-related entries are timely and accurate.
  • Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
Corporate Tax & Administrative Support
  • Assist with preparation and filing of corporate tax installments and related administrative filings.
  • Support coordination with external tax advisors and auditors.
  • Maintain organized payroll and financial documentation to support regulatory and compliance requirements.
  • Provide support for financial reporting and broader compliance initiatives as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 3+ years of progressive payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll processing.
  • Experience with Service Contract Act (SCA) compliance and fringe/H&W administration.
  • Hands-on experience with ADP and Unanet.
  • Experience managing benefits vendors and conducting complex invoice reconciliations.
  • Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial controls.
  • Advanced Excel proficiency and strong analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong customer service orientation with the ability to support employees professionally and responsively.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to partner effectively across Finance and People Operations.

Desired Qualifications
  • CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar certification.
  • Experience administering ICHRA or other consumer-directed health arrangements.
  • Experience in a government contractor environment.
  • Experience supporting DOL, DCAA, or external compliance audits.

About Aptive
Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation.
We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day.
Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide
EEO Statement
Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.
Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.

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