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Payroll Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Payroll Specialist

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$29 - $39.75/hr

Support labor reporting and payroll analytics to assist operational decision-making. * Assist with internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and support. Cross-Functional ...

Senior Payroll Analyst

Mclean, VA · On-site

$71K - $88K/yr

Review annual tax statements (W-2's, T4's) to ensure accuracy. * Assist in the biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll, tax, and compliance activities. * Process, audit, analyze and review ...

Payroll Specialist - Mid-Level

Washington, DC

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

Support the processing of retirement-related payroll actions, including retirement deductions, allotments, and coordination of retirement and survivor benefit applications. Assist in processing ...

Recommend and assist with process improvements to support scalability, operational efficiency, and continued adherence to DCAA guidelines. * Manage payroll calendars, deadlines and payroll cutoff ...

Generate payroll reports as requested. * Assist employees with system issues and their understanding of payroll mechanisms. * Develop training materials and disseminate to new hires during their ...

Payroll Processing & Administration * Process weekly and bi-weekly payrolls across multiple entities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness * Review, audit, and approve employee timesheets and payroll ...

New

Payroll Manager

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Payroll Manager Silver Spring, MD Hybrid Long Term Contract - $50-$60/hr. Workday experience REQUIRED The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing fullcycle, inhouse payroll using Workday. This ...

AAMC Payroll Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing all payroll operations, systems, and supporting staff for a 48-state remote workforce. Strong background to provide management and ...

Payroll Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Payroll Manager Department: Financial Services Division: Finance & Operations Reports to (Title): AVP Financial Services # Direct Reports: 1 Parameters: FT Primary Location: Main Campus Flex Work ...

Payroll Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site

$26 - $35.50/hr

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate and compliant weekly, biweekly and year-end payroll processing, payroll taxes and reporting for a multi-company, multi-division ...

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Payroll Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

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How much do payroll assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll assistant in Reston, VA is $22.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Assistant, you need strong attention to detail, basic accounting knowledge, and familiarity with payroll laws, typically supported by a relevant diploma or associate degree. Proficiency with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or SAP, along with Microsoft Excel, is commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and clear communication help build trust and ensure accuracy in processing sensitive payroll information. These skills are critical to ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What qualifications do I need for payroll?

A payroll assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer or require postsecondary education in accounting, finance, or business. Strong attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software and spreadsheets, and knowledge of payroll laws and regulations are important qualifications for the role.

What are some common challenges Payroll Assistants face when managing payroll for a large organization?

Payroll Assistants in large organizations often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of data, ensuring compliance with complex and frequently changing tax laws, and meeting tight deadlines for payroll processing. Attention to detail is crucial since small errors can affect employee satisfaction and legal compliance. Additionally, Payroll Assistants must collaborate closely with HR and finance departments to verify timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate records, making strong communication skills essential.

What Does a Payroll Assistant Do?

A payroll assistant provides administrative support in the payroll department. As a payroll assistant, your duties include entering payroll data, processing new hire paperwork, and making changes related to tax withholding and employee benefits. You also help create detailed documents outlining payroll for the company or organization and may perform additional clerical tasks as needed.

What does a payroll assistant do?

A payroll assistant supports the payroll department by processing employee wages, ensuring accurate calculation of hours, deductions, and taxes. They often use payroll software and verify data accuracy to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time.

How long does it take to become a payroll assistant?

Becoming a payroll assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training or short-term courses in payroll processing or accounting may be sufficient. Most employers expect candidates to have basic computer skills and familiarity with payroll software, and the role can often be entered within a few months after initial training.

Is payroll more HR or accounting?

Payroll assistants primarily work within the payroll or accounting departments, handling tasks such as processing employee wages, deductions, and tax filings. While payroll involves understanding HR policies and employee data, it is generally considered part of the accounting function due to its focus on financial transactions and record-keeping.
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Payroll Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Payroll Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,611 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$26.50 - $36/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview

We are seeking qualified Mid-Level Payroll Specialists to support federal payroll operations for employees across various appointment types. In this role, you will perform a range of payroll functions using automated federal payroll and personnel systems, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to delivering accurate payroll processing and responsive customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform core payroll processes, including leave audits, payroll adjustments, allotments, pay differentials, lump-sum payments, and state tax issue resolution; coordinate with the National Finance Center (NFC) as needed.
  • Support the administration of retirement-related payroll actions, including deductions, allotments, and retirement and survivor benefit applications.
  • Assist with payroll disbursement activities, including prior service cost calculations, retirement code updates, and payroll components tied to retirement documentation (e.g., DS-765, DS-2896, DS-3100).
  • Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, including suspense items, manual payments, system-generated errors, and adjustment reports.
  • Address payroll-related issues involving incentive programs, separation benefits, tax withholdings, direct deposit, benefits contributions, collections, refunds, and leave accruals.
  • Maintain and reconcile payroll records and reports, ensuring the accuracy of payroll and retirement transactions.
  • Apply working knowledge of federal payroll regulations and guidance, including NFC directives, OMB guidance, CFR, the CFO Act, and the Debt Collection Improvement Act.
  • Utilize federal payroll systems and tools such as NFC, PowerTerm, SPPS, EPIC, and GovTA to process, audit, and correct payroll transactions.
  • Analyze payroll data to identify inconsistencies, determine root causes, and support resolution efforts.
  • Respond to employee and agency payroll inquiries through the ServiceNow ticketing system, providing timely and professional customer service.
  • Assist with payroll reporting, documentation, and record retention in compliance with federal requirements and internal controls.
  • Manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
  • Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel data while adhering to established procedures and internal controls.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in federal payroll operations within a U.S. Government agency or department.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with federal payroll policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks (NFC, OMB, CFR, CFO Act, Debt Collection Improvement Act).
  • Experience working with federal payroll systems and tools.
  • Must not have prior USAID experience (per contract requirements).

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.