Senior Payroll Specialist

Overview

We are seeking experienced Senior Payroll Specialists to support federal payroll operations across a variety of employee appointment types. This role is responsible for executing both routine and complex payroll functions using automated federal payroll and personnel systems, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is committed to delivering accurate payroll processing along with responsive, high-quality customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer end-to-end biweekly payroll processing, including time and attendance validation, leave audits, payroll adjustments, allotments, pay differentials, lump-sum payments, and tax issue resolution; coordinate with the National Finance Center (NFC) as needed.
• Process and review retirement-related payroll actions, including deductions, allotments, and retirement and survivor benefit applications.
• Execute complex payroll transactions such as prior service cost calculations, retirement code updates, and payroll components tied to retirement documentation (e.g., DS-765, DS-2896, DS-3100).
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, including suspense items, manual payments, system errors, and adjustment reports.
• Address payroll issues related to incentives, separation benefits, tax withholdings, direct deposit, benefits contributions, collections, refunds, and leave accruals.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll records and reports, ensuring accuracy of payroll and retirement data.
• Apply 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 (or equivalent systems) to process and audit payroll transactions.
• Analyze payroll data to identify discrepancies, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Respond to employee and agency payroll inquiries through the ServiceNow ticketing system, delivering timely and professional customer support.
• Ensure compliance with reporting, documentation, and record retention requirements in accordance with federal standards.
• Manage multiple priorities independently while meeting strict deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Safeguard sensitive payroll and personnel data while adhering to internal controls and established procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in federal payroll operations within a U.S. Government agency or department.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal payroll policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks (NFC, OMB, CFR, CFO Act, Debt Collection Improvement Act).
• Hands-on experience with federal payroll systems and tools.
• Must not have prior USAID experience (per contract requirements).

Skills & Competencies

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