HR/Payroll Specialist

Job Title: HR/Payroll Specialist

Job Description

The HR/Payroll Specialist manages complex, high-volume federal payroll operations and provides expert support for employees and agency stakeholders. This role oversees bi-weekly payroll processing, retirement-related actions, and resolution of payroll discrepancies while ensuring strict compliance with federal regulations, policies, and internal controls. The specialist works independently in a time-sensitive environment, leveraging federal payroll systems to maintain accurate records and deliver professional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Manage the bi-weekly payroll process, including time and attendance, leave audits, payroll adjustments, allotments, pay differentials, lump-sum payments, state tax resolution, and coordination with the National Finance Center (NFC).

• Review and execute retirement-related payroll actions, including retirement deductions, allotments, and coordination of retirement and survivor benefit applications.

• Perform complex payroll disbursement activities, including prior service costing actions, recalculation of payroll deductions associated with retirement code changes, and processing payroll components of retirement and survivor benefit forms (such as DS-765, DS-2896, and DS-3100).

• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies, including suspense items, manual salary payments, adjustment reports, and system-generated errors.

• Resolve payroll issues related to incentive programs, separation benefits, tax withholding, direct deposit, benefit premium contributions, bills of collection and refunds, and paid leave accruals.

• Maintain and reconcile payroll records and reports, including retirement-related data, to ensure accurate posting of payroll and retirement transactions.

• Apply working knowledge of federal payroll policies and procedures, NFC directives, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act, and the Debt Collection Improvement Act when executing payroll actions.

• Utilize federal payroll systems and NFC tools such as PowerTerm, EPIC, and GovTA (or equivalent U.S. Government time and attendance system) to process, research, and correct payroll transactions.

• Analyze payroll data to identify inconsistencies, research root causes, and apply established procedures to support accurate resolution of payroll issues.

• Respond to employee and agency payroll inquiries and provide professional customer service through the agency's payroll ServiceNow ticketing system.

• Perform payroll reporting, documentation, and record retention in compliance with federal requirements and internal controls.

• Work independently in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Follow established procedures and internal controls while maintaining strict confidentiality of payroll and personnel data.

Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of direct experience supporting federal payroll operations at a U.S. Government department or agency.

• Extensive experience providing direct federal payroll and HR support.

• Strong working knowledge of federal payroll policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of NFC management directives, OMB guidance, and the Code of Federal Regulations.

• Understanding of the CFO Act and the Debt Collection Improvement Act as they relate to payroll operations.

• Proficiency with federal payroll systems and NFC tools, including PowerTerm, EPIC, and GovTA or equivalent time and attendance systems.

• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve complex payroll discrepancies and system-generated errors.

• Ability to manage bi-weekly payroll cycles in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.

• Strong data entry skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy in payroll processing and recordkeeping.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance with the U.S. Department of State.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel data.

• Strong customer service skills to respond effectively to employee and agency payroll inquiries.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience applying NFC directives, OMB guidance, CFR, the CFO Act, and the Debt Collection Improvement Act in payroll actions.

• Experience with federal HR processes related to payroll, benefits, retirement, and leave.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying payroll inconsistencies and root causes.

• Experience using ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems for handling payroll inquiries.

• Ability to follow established procedures and internal controls consistently.

• Contract preference for candidates without prior USAID experience.

Work Environment

This position operates in a federal office environment with a hybrid on-site schedule, requiring three days per week on-site at a U.S. Department of State office in Washington, DC. The role involves working in a high-volume, time-sensitive setting where accuracy and adherence to federal regulations and internal controls are critical. The specialist regularly uses federal payroll systems and NFC tools, including PowerTerm, EPIC, and GovTA or equivalent time and attendance systems, as well as a ServiceNow-based ticketing platform for payroll inquiries. Work is primarily office-based, focused on computer systems, data analysis, documentation, and collaboration with agency staff and stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mc Lean, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.67 - $45.67/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Mc Lean,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.