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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Director Direct Reports: 2 Payroll Supervisors Position Overview Clark Construction is seeking a high-caliber Payroll Manager to lead our complex, multi-state payroll operations. This role is ...

Payroll Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65K - $170K/yr

Payroll Director Direct Reports: 2 Payroll Supervisors Position Overview Clark Construction is seeking a high-caliber Payroll Manager to lead our complex, multi-state payroll operations. This role is ...

HR/Payroll Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Job Title: HR/Payroll Specialist The HR/Payroll Specialist manages complex, high-volume federal payroll operations and provides expert support for employees and agency stakeholders. This role ...

Senior Payroll Specialist

VA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

... operations, support a high-volume employee population, and contribute to an important payroll ... Manage complex payroll transactions, adjustments, and escalations * Process terminations, off-cycle ...

The payroll manager is hands-on and expected to run day-to-day payroll operations. This position supports new and existing payroll systems, manages vendor contracts and relationships, drives process ...

This role oversees all aspects of payroll operations-including payroll processing, tax reporting ... Oversees and manages payroll to ensure all department outcomes are achieved effectively.

The payroll manager is hands-on and expected to run day-to-day payroll operations. This position supports new and existing payroll systems, manages vendor contracts and relationships, drives process ...

The payroll manager is hands-on and expected to run day-to-day payroll operations. This position supports new and existing payroll systems, manages vendor contracts and relationships, drives process ...

The Payroll Manager oversees end-to-end payroll operations for a multi-state, multi-entity organization, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and union and Service Contract Act ...

The Payroll Manager oversees end-to-end payroll operations for a multi-state, multi-entity organization, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and union and Service Contract Act ...

Payroll Manager

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$91K - $146K/yr

As a Payroll Manager, you will: * Lead and oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring timely ... payroll operations and system integration What you bring to the role: * High School Diploma ...

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Operations Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$41.6K

$88.6K

$131.9K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Virginia is $88,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll operations manager?

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, you need expertise in payroll processing, compliance with labor laws, and a strong background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Workday, or SAP, as well as certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring accuracy. These skills are vital to guarantee timely and compliant payroll operations, minimize errors, and lead an efficient payroll department.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Operations ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; payroll certifications preferredUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; payroll certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll teams, manages processes, and ensures compliance across departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and verification tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in medium to large organizations across various industriesFound in organizations of all sizes, often in HR or finance departments

The Payroll Operations Manager focuses on overseeing payroll processes, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, while the Payroll Specialist handles the day-to-day payroll data entry and processing tasks. Both roles require payroll knowledge, but the manager position involves leadership and strategic oversight.

What does a payroll operations manager do?

A payroll operations manager oversees the processing of employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration. They manage payroll systems, ensure compliance with tax laws and company policies, and coordinate with HR and finance teams to resolve payroll issues. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of payroll software are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by payroll operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Payroll Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as staying compliant with frequently changing tax laws, managing high volumes of data accurately, and ensuring timely payroll processing across multiple locations. To address these, it's important to implement robust payroll software, maintain ongoing training for staff, and establish strong internal controls. Effective communication with HR, finance, and external vendors also plays a crucial role in resolving discrepancies and maintaining smooth operations.

Is a payroll operations manager a stressful job?

A payroll operations manager role can be stressful due to the responsibility of ensuring accurate and timely employee payments, compliance with regulations, and managing payroll systems. The job often involves tight deadlines, attention to detail, and handling sensitive information, which can contribute to work-related stress.
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Virginia? For Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,629 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

$65K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Location: McLean, VA

Reports To: Payroll Director

Direct Reports: 2 Payroll Supervisors

Position Overview

Clark Construction is seeking a high-caliber Payroll Manager to lead our complex, multi-state payroll operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring the accurate and timely compensation of our most valuable asset: our people. You will oversee two distinct payroll streams-a bi-weekly salaried cycle and a high-volume, weekly craft worker cycle.

As a key leader within the Finance/HR pillar, you will manage two direct reports (Payroll Supervisors) and drive process improvements that uphold our reputation for operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Oversight: Direct the end-to-end processing of multi-state payroll for 5,000+ employees, balancing the nuances of bi-weekly corporate cycles and weekly craft/hourly cycles.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Provide direct leadership to two Payroll Managers, fostering a culture of professional growth, accountability, and technical precision.
  • Compliance & Labor Relations: Ensure strict adherence to federal and state labor laws, tax regulations, and-crucially-union collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and prevailing wage requirements (Davis-Bacon Act).
  • Process Optimization: Partner with the Payroll Director to identify and implement "best-in-class" systems and workflows to reduce manual entry and enhance data integrity.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll tax filings, year-end processing (W-2s), and internal audits.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with HR, IT, and Legal to ensure seamless integration between timekeeping systems and payroll platforms.

Required Qualifications

  • Experience: 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or people-management capacity.
  • Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in Construction, Engineering, or Manufacturing is highly preferred. Must have a deep understanding of hourly craft worker payroll.
  • Complexity Management: Proven ability to manage diverse payroll schedules (weekly vs. bi-weekly) and complex tax jurisdictions.
  • Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise in enterprise-level HCM/Payroll systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle) and sophisticated Excel modeling.
  • Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business. CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation is a significant plus.

The Ideal Candidate

"You are someone who thrives in the details but never loses sight of the big picture. You understand that for a craft worker, a weekly paycheck is a matter of trust and livelihood. You are a steady hand for your team and a strategic partner to the Director."

Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $65,000 - $170,000. Compensation may varyoutside of this rangedepending on a number of factors, including a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.