Payroll Specialist

appian; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

medical, dental, and vision plans

paid parental leave

life insurance

disability insurance

wellness programs

tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Appian, a high-growth leader in AI-powered process automation, is seeking a Payroll Specialist to own semi-monthly US payroll processing and ensure accurate, compliant payroll across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.

You will support US payroll operations with opportunities to assist international payroll processes, using Workday and CloudPay, while delivering exceptional service to internal partners and maintaining strict controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 1 to 3 years of hands-on US payroll processing experience with multi-state payroll operations.
• Working knowledge of FLSA and labor regulations, including overtime, exemptions, and wage and hour compliance.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local tax withholding laws and regulations in payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain all aspects of the payroll function, including semi-monthly processing of US payrolls using Workday (and international payroll using CloudPay).
• Perform cyclical audits and reconciliations of payroll processes.
• Adhere to established procedures and controls across federal, state, and local regulations.
• Collect, review, distribute and act on relevant payroll mail.
• Assist in maintaining state, local and unemployment tax jurisdictions.
• Provide support for payroll implementations and integrations.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external partners.

Skills

US payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Attention to detail

Regulatory compliance

Data reconciliation

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/HR

Tools

Workday

CloudPay

Job description

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together.

Own the accuracy and integrity of semi-monthly US payroll processing for a high-growth AI-Powered Process Automation leader, ensuring seamless employee experiences and compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Appian People Operations & Payroll Team is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support the exciting growth we're experiencing. We're looking for someone to primarily support our US Payroll operations with greater growth opportunities to assist with our International processes.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a highly organized team player with the ability to work in a fast paced environment while maintaining special attention to detail? Do you have a passion for process improvement that allows you to make necessary changes that sets your team up for success? This could be the job for you!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Support and maintain all aspects of the payroll function that includes semi monthly processing of our hourly and salaried US payrolls using Workday with greater opportunities to support our international payroll processes using CloudPay.
• Perform cyclical audits and reconciliations of the payroll processes.
• Perform tasks in compliance with established procedures and controls, and adhere to applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Collect, review, distribute and action any relevant payroll mail.
• Assist in maintaining our state, local and unemployment tax jurisdictions.
• Provide support for payroll implementations and integrations.
• Provide exceptional customer service and support to internal and external partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 1 to 3 years of hands‑on US payroll processing experience with demonstrated expertise in multi‑state payroll operations.
• Working knowledge of FLSA and labor regulations, including overtime calculations, exemption classifications, and wage and hour compliance.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local tax withholding laws and regulations, with the ability to apply them accurately in payroll processing.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Proven ability to perform data reconciliations and audits with a high degree of accuracy and analytical rigor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Workday payroll experience or demonstrated ability to quickly learn and master enterprise payroll systems.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) credential.
• Experience supporting international payroll processes or working with global payroll platforms such as CloudPay.

The base salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market and business conditions that exist when extending an offer. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance.

In addition, Appian provides generous benefits offerings that include a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, an employee referral bonus program, and learning and development resources.

• 401(k) plan with company match
• flexible time off
• paid parental leave
• medical, dental, and vision plans
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• wellness programs
• flexible spending accounts
• health savings account contributions
• employee referral bonus program
• learning and development resources

Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards.

Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or benefit plans.

Base Salary Range
$60,000 - $110,000 USD

Tools and Resources

Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires.

Growth Opportunities: Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education. This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities.