Senior Payroll Manager

Job overview

The Senior Payroll Manager role is onsite in McLean, VA, with an annual salary range of $120,000 to $130,000. The position supports payroll operations at CBRE Government and Defense Services, overseeing payroll for a complex, multi-jurisdictional workforce. The manager leads day-to-day payroll operations and manages a team of two to four payroll professionals. The role ensures accurate and timely payroll, resolves escalated issues, maintains controls and deadlines, and improves processes while serving as the Director of Payroll’s operational partner and backup.

What you'll do

• Manage, coach, and develop two to four payroll team members
• oversee end-to-end payroll operations
• serve as operational backup to the Director of Payroll
• review payroll results, reconciliations, and exception reports
• support complex earnings, deductions, taxes, adjustments, and off-cycle payments
• resolve escalated payroll issues
• oversee multi-state and collective bargaining agreement payroll
• maintain calendars, procedures, and controls
• support audits, year-end activities, and payroll accounting
• lead process, system, reporting, and control improvements
• coordinate system testing
• communicate significant issues to the Director.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior payroll manager

mclean va

cbre government and defense services

payroll operations

payroll team leadership

multi-state payroll

payroll reconciliation

payroll controls

ukg preferred

cpp certification required

union payroll

$120k–$130k

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• The posting does not specify benefits.

Why this role

Requires an active Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification and at least seven years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including direct management of payroll employees.

About the employer

CBRE Government and Defense Services is hiring for this role. Industry: Facilities Support Services. Sector: 56.