Payroll Accountant, Specialist

Position Title: Payroll Accountant, Specialist


WHO WE ARE: As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces - forums, conversations, connections - where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.


We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

SUMMARY: AIP is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Accountant to join our dynamic Finance and Administration team. In this vital role, you will oversee the end-to-end payroll process and ensure accurate, timely payroll administration for AIP, AIP Publishing, and select Member Societies. Working collaboratively with our Talent and Culture team, you will manage biweekly payroll operations, maintain payroll tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and support key financial processes including account reconciliations, journal entries, and budget planning. This position requires in-depth experience with ADP Workforce Manager payroll and a solid grasp of payroll regulations and multi-state compliance. If you are passionate about accuracy, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are excited to contribute to the mission of advancing the physical sciences, we encourage you to apply. Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!


WHAT YOU'LL DO: As the Payroll Accountant at AIP, you will play a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll and related financial activities. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain compliance, streamline operations, and support key organizational goals. Your responsibilities will include:

• Process bi-weekly payroll for AIP and four affiliated organizations, totaling 300+ employees.
• Prepare and post bi-weekly payroll journal entries, including entries for Member Societies.
• Manage third-party filings and ensure timely retirement contribution submissions.
• Maintain and oversee all timekeeping systems and payroll coding structures.
• Review and validate tax filings completed by ADP.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of all payroll-related accounts.
• Monitor and interpret payroll-related legislation and regulatory updates to ensure compliance.
• Create and maintain custom reports within ADP Workforce Now.
• Evaluate payroll processes and internal controls; recommend and implement process improvements.
• Lead personnel budget planning and analysis in collaboration with Finance.
• Support the annual salary and benefits budgeting process.
• Assist with the annual retirement plan audit.
• Manage all year-end payroll activities and verify the accuracy of W-2 forms prepared by ADP.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING: We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Management, or related field required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, including with ADP Workforce Manager.
• Experience managing payroll in mid-to-large organizations, including multi-state payroll.
• Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now and Kronos (or equivalent timekeeping systems).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, and pivot tables.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth understanding of payroll regulations and tax compliance requirements.
• Customer service mindset with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.

TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences.


COMPENSATION: $79,477.00 - $87,425.00

WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.


We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.


ABOUT AIP: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces - forums, conversations, connections - where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet's toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!