Mid-level Payroll Specialist

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.