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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This role sits at the intersection of payroll operations, cost accounting, and government contract ... The manager will own payroll ledger integrity, labor distribution, and related internal controls ...

Completes operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work ... Payroll Manager Skills and Qualifications: Managing Processes, People Management, Data Entry ...

Competitive base salary + bonus potential + comprehensive benefits package Overview Cherry Bekaert Staffing & Recruiting is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead and oversee end-to-end payroll operations ...

... payroll operations. If you are looking for the next step in your career, apply now! Key ... Manage payroll tax compliance and reporting, including federal, state, and local tax filings ...

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 ...

We are seeking a Sr Payroll Specialist to join our Global HR Operations team, reporting to the Sr Manager, Global Payroll. This role is responsible for end-to-end U.S. payroll processing and support ...

Sr Payroll Specialist

Columbia, MD · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

We are seeking a Sr Payroll Specialist to join our Global HR Operations team, reporting to the Sr Manager, Global Payroll. This role is responsible for end-to-end U.S. payroll processing and support ...

We are seeking a Sr Payroll Specialist to join our Global HR Operations team, reporting to the Sr Manager, Global Payroll. This role is responsible for end-to-end U.S. payroll processing and support ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Operations Manager information

See Washington salary details

$47.6K

$101.3K

$150.6K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Washington is $101,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $117,800.00 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 Washington? For Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,250 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Payroll Accounting Manager

Heven AeroTech

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Title: Payroll Accounting Manager
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.
We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart-those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.
Role Summary:
We're looking for a hands-on Payroll Accounting Manager to own end-to-end payroll operations and build the processes that scale with us. The Payroll Accounting Manager is responsible for the accurate and compliant processing of payroll across multiple legal entities and states. This role sits at the intersection of payroll operations, cost accounting, and government contract compliance, requiring deep familiarity with DCAA audit standards, FAR cost principles, and multi-jurisdictional payroll regulations. The manager will own payroll ledger integrity, labor distribution, and related internal controls while serving as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from program managers, HR, and government auditors.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Own the full payroll cycle (semi-monthly) for a growing workforce in a multi-company, multi-state environment, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery
  • Ensure payroll processes comply with DCAA audit standards, including timekeeping controls, labor floor checks, and floor check readiness.
  • Maintain and enforce a DCAA-compliant timekeeping policy; coordinate with employees and supervisors to resolve timesheet discrepancies.
  • Maintain payroll accounting records and reconcile payroll accounts to the general ledger each period
  • Ensure compliance with payroll tax obligations across all active state and local jurisdictions, including withholding, SUI, SDI, and local taxes.
  • Manage state registrations for new hiring jurisdictions; coordinate with in-house counsel or payroll provider as needed.
  • Oversee workers' compensation reporting and reconciliation across all entities and states.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations; manage filings, deposits, and year-end W-2/1099 processing
  • Coordinate with the Controller on payroll-related audit support, including workers' comp audits, 401(k) audits, and year-end W-2 reconciliation.
  • Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities in payroll systems
  • Develop and document payroll policies, controls, and SOPs as the company scales
  • Support month-end and year-end close with payroll-related journal entries and accruals

Qualifications & Experience:
Required:
  • 6+ years of payroll and payroll accounting experience, including 1-2+ years in a lead or supervisory role
  • Strong understanding of US payroll regulations, multi-state compliance, and payroll tax (international experience a plus)
  • Proficiency with payroll software; comfort learning new systems quickly
  • Solid grasp of accounting fundamentals - journal entries, reconciliations, and GL
  • CPA or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation a plus, not required
  • Meticulous attention to detail with a track record of process ownership in a fast-paced environment
  • Clear communicator who can translate payroll complexity for employees and cross-functional partners

Preferred:
  • Experience supporting payroll through a period of rapid headcount growth or a system migration
  • Familiarity with DCAA's Incurred Cost Electronically Submission model and indirect rate structures.
  • Familiarity with equity compensation and related payroll treatment
  • Experience at a venture-backed or high-growth tech company

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
  • Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and telephone for prolonged periods.
  • Ability to review, analyze, and interpret detailed financial, payroll, and compliance-related documents and reports.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, auditors, government representatives, and external service providers via phone, video conference, and in person.
  • Ability to occasionally move throughout an office environment to attend meetings, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and access files or equipment.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry files, records, or office materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
  • Ability to maintain concentration and accuracy while managing multiple deadlines, reviewing detailed payroll data, and performing reconciliations.
  • Ability to work extended hours during payroll processing cycles, month-end close, year-end activities, audits, or other critical business periods as needed.

Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Budgeted Salary Range:
$78,000-$108,000 USD