Payroll Specialist
Appian
Listing collected from Appian's career site. NextChapter is independent of Appian.
McLean, VA · $60k–$110k a year · Posted August 26, 2026
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Where McLean, VA ranks
Where McLean, VA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Mid-Atlantic79 / 100 · of 37
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Southeast78 / 100 · of 33
- #1Best all-round cities for AI careers in the Southeast91 / 100 · of 33
- #2Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Southeast17% · of 87
- #2Best all-round cities for AI careers in the Mid-Atlantic89 / 100 · of 37
- #3Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Southeast10% · of 77
Rankings about finance jobs
- Best cities for finance jobs #1 New York (1,932 openings)
- Best cities for finance pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($162k)
- Most requested AI skills in finance jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (4.3%)
- AI tools named most often in finance jobs #1 Claude (0.55%)
- Employers with the most finance jobs #1 Amazon (475 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $85,000 a year. Across 95 open payroll specialist listings that state pay, the middle half runs $56,000 to $76,500 and the median is $66,000. That is 29% above the median, above the middle half of those listings.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists is little observed so far. Measured exposure for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists: 6% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
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. 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.
Community: We’ll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups . These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company.
Benefits
Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future. Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to.
About Appian
Appian provides AI automation for the most important business processes at the world’s largest organizations. Our platform is known for its unique power, reliability, and scale. We’ve been automating processes for more than 25 years and have proven expertise in enterprise operations. For more information, visit appian.com .
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Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ReasonableAccommodations@appian.com . Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
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