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Payroll Subject Matter Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gTANGIBLE

Cloud Subject Matter Expert

Arlington, VA

Cloud Subject Matter Expert Location: Arlington, VA Security Clearance:Secret Duties and Responsibilities The Cloud Subject Matter Expert (SME) supports this Transportation Security Administration ...

Social Impact, Inc.

Microelectronics Education Subject Matter Expert Location: USA, Remote Duration: Contract-based; project timeline to be determined Background: The Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE ...

Social Impact, Inc.

Microelectronics Education Subject Matter Expert Location: USA, Remote Duration: Contract-based; project timeline to be determined Background: The Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE ...

Audubon Companies

Subject Matter Expert

Houston, TX

Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Subject Matter Expert Audubon is currently seeking a SIS Subject Matter Expert to be part of a project team, working onsite at a client's plant. The SIS Subject ...

OBAN Corporation

Subject Matter Expert

Vienna, VA

Job Title: Subject Matter Expert Disclaimer: This position is being recruited in support of potential future contract awards. Qualified candidates may be considered for upcoming opportunities ...

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All JobsPayroll Subject Matter Expert Jobs

Payroll Subject Matter Expert information

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$15

$27

$39

How much do payroll subject matter expert jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll subject matter expert in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Payroll Subject Matter Expert vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Subject Matter ExpertPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like CPP or FPCMay have similar certifications but often less advanced
Work EnvironmentFocuses on complex payroll issues, policy development, and trainingHandles day-to-day payroll processing and data entry
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, HR departments, payroll consultingCommon in HR and payroll departments across industries
Search & Comparison IntentCompared for expertise level and problem-solving skillsCompared for operational payroll tasks

The Payroll Subject Matter Expert specializes in complex payroll issues, policy development, and training, often requiring advanced certifications. In contrast, a Payroll Specialist handles routine payroll processing and data entry. While both roles are essential in payroll operations, the SME provides strategic guidance and expertise, whereas the Specialist focuses on daily transactional tasks.

What is a Payroll Subject Matter Expert?

A Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a professional with in-depth knowledge and expertise in payroll processes, regulations, and best practices. They are responsible for advising organizations on complex payroll issues, ensuring compliance with tax laws and labor regulations, and optimizing payroll systems. Payroll SMEs often serve as the go-to resource for payroll-related questions, training, and troubleshooting within a company. Their role is crucial in maintaining accurate and efficient payroll operations, minimizing errors, and supporting organizational changes such as system upgrades or policy updates.

How much do subject matter experts get paid?

Payroll Subject Matter Experts typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often possess specialized knowledge of payroll systems, compliance, and regulations, which can influence salary levels.

How much does a payroll consultant earn?

Payroll consultants typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized payroll professionals can earn higher salaries, especially if they have expertise in payroll systems and compliance regulations.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Director or Payroll Manager at large organizations, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance regulations.

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

A Payroll Subject Matter Expert typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, with higher salaries possible for senior or specialized roles. Professionals in executive or highly specialized finance positions, such as CFOs or senior financial directors, can earn $300,000 or more per year. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Subject Matter Expert, you need deep knowledge of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance, often supported by a degree in accounting or business and relevant payroll certifications. Familiarity with payroll software systems like ADP, SAP, or Workday, as well as spreadsheet tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are vital soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate payroll operations, legal compliance, and effective support for both employees and organizational leadership.

What are some common challenges faced by Payroll Subject Matter Experts when implementing new payroll systems?

Payroll Subject Matter Experts often encounter challenges such as ensuring data accuracy during system migrations, adapting to new software functionalities, and training team members on updated processes. They must also stay up-to-date with compliance requirements and work closely with HR, IT, and finance departments to ensure seamless integration and minimal disruption to payroll cycles. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to navigate these challenges and support a successful system rollout.
More about Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs
What cities are hiring for Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Subject Matter Expert job openings:
What states have the most Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs are:
Payroll Subject Matter Expert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Subject Matter Expert job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Cloud Subject Matter Expert

gTANGIBLE

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

gTANGIBLE Corporation (gTC), www.gtangible.com, is a C corporation and a registered Government contractor that provides services and solutions in:

  • National Security Programs
  • Professional, Administrative, and Management Support
  • Mission and Warfighter Support

We are a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and the founder has years of successful experience in the Government contracting arena. Our leadership team is an exceptional group of Government contracting professionals. gTANGIBLE is in the process of identifying candidates for the following position.

Requisition Type: Full Time

Position Status: Contingent
Position Title: Cloud Subject Matter Expert

Location: Arlington, VA

Security Clearance:Secret

Duties and Responsibilities

The Cloud Subject Matter Expert (SME) supports this Transportation Security Administration Information Technology (TSA IT) Task Order (TO) by performing security evaluations of Cloud services to determine what security protections are available, what residual risk would remain after security protections are put in place, and any mitigations which could be put in place elsewhere to help reduce any residual risk. Duties include the following:

  • Becomes and remains familiar with TSA and DHS security policies and Technical Standards relating to the configuration and operation of operating systems to facilitate effective security assessments.
  • Makes recommendations for updates, additions, and modifications to TSA security policy as gaps or deficiencies in security policy are identified.
  • Performs tasks in accordance with all established processes and procedures, provides recommendations to update existing, or create new, processes, procedures, and templates to improve the Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Division's (IAD's) security evaluation program.
  • Engages with evaluation stakeholders to gather all required information needed to create detailed evaluation plans.
  • Conducts evaluation activities in accordance with established evaluation plans. Provides subject matter expertise concerning the security aspects of the Cloud services being evaluated. In addition, provides ad-hoc cloud service evaluation engagements of a non-standard nature as they are identified to provide a benefit to IAD's security evaluation requirements.

Knowledge and Qualifications

  • At least ten (10) years of technical IT security experience. Such experience can come from system or network administration, security testing and evaluation, applications development, working with Cloud deployments, IT project implementation, or other similar technical activities.
  • At least five (5) years of experience performing Cloud security functions.
  • At least one (1) year of experience performing Cloud functions for Federal IT systems.
  • Ability to work independently/minimal oversight.
  • Required Certifications or other relevant certifications: CCSP, CISSP.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and technical writing skills to be able to document findings in reports.
  • Experience with Cloud services: OKTA, McAfee MVision Cloud, Amazon Lightsail, Azure SQL, and Microsoft.
  • Expertise knowledge of PaaS, IaaS and SaaS.

gTANGIBLE Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or political affiliation.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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