Payroll Manager

Kforce has a client in Bethesda, MD that is seeking a Payroll Manager. Overview: We are seeking a hands-on Payroll Manager to own and manage end-to-end payroll operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This individual will oversee full-cycle, in-house payroll processing, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries. This is a high-visibility, individual contributor role requiring strong ownership and the ability to operate independently. Key Responsibilities: Manage full-cycle, in-house payroll for a primarily hourly workforce Process weekly payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance Handle payroll taxes and filings internally (no third-party processor) Prepare and submit certified payroll reports and other compliance-heavy reporting Support government and contractor reporting requirements (e.g., state/local agencies) Ensure accurate job costing alignment, including coding hours to job/activity during payroll entry Respond to and resolve timecard, payroll, and job coding inquiries Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations Assist with general ledger support, including journal entries and reconciliations High volume of manual reviews and timecard/coding questions Sole owner of payroll function in a lean team environment Payroll Environment & Complexity: Weekly payroll cycle with tight turnaround timelines Support for ~200 employees, primarily hourly Mix of: Compliance-heavy (certified payroll) jobs Standard payroll processing Requirements: Degree not required; Relevant experience prioritized Experience managing full-cycle, in-house payroll Experience with certified payroll and compliance-heavy environments Background in job costing or project-based payroll Industry experience in construction, manufacturing, or similar Experience supporting a high-volume hourly workforce Ability to work independently and take full ownership of payroll function Strong knowledge of: Weekly payroll processing Payroll tax filings and compliance reporting Preferred: Experience with Sage 300 or comparable ERP systems The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave. Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions. Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.