Location: McLean, VA
Reports To: Payroll Director
Direct Reports: 2 Payroll Supervisors
Position Overview
Clark Construction is seeking a high-caliber Payroll Manager to lead our complex, multi-state payroll operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring the accurate and timely compensation of our most valuable asset: our people. You will oversee two distinct payroll streams—a bi-weekly salaried cycle and a high-volume, weekly craft worker cycle.
As a key leader within the Finance/HR pillar, you will manage two direct reports (Payroll Supervisors) and drive process improvements that uphold our reputation for operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Oversight: Direct the end-to-end processing of multi-state payroll for 5,000+ employees, balancing the nuances of bi-weekly corporate cycles and weekly craft/hourly cycles.
Leadership & Mentorship: Provide direct leadership to two Payroll Managers, fostering a culture of professional growth, accountability, and technical precision.
Compliance & Labor Relations: Ensure strict adherence to federal and state labor laws, tax regulations, and—crucially—union collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and prevailing wage requirements (Davis-Bacon Act).
Process Optimization: Partner with the Payroll Director to identify and implement "best-in-class" systems and workflows to reduce manual entry and enhance data integrity.
Reporting & Analytics: Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll tax filings, year-end processing (W-2s), and internal audits.
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Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with HR, IT, and Legal to ensure seamless integration between timekeeping systems and payroll platforms.
Required Qualifications
Experience: 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or people-management capacity.
Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in Construction, Engineering, or Manufacturing is highly preferred. Must have a deep understanding of hourly craft worker payroll.
Complexity Management: Proven ability to manage diverse payroll schedules (weekly vs. bi-weekly) and complex tax jurisdictions.
Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise in enterprise-level HCM/Payroll systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle) and sophisticated Excel modeling.
Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business. CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation is a significant plus.
The Ideal Candidate
"You are someone who thrives in the details but never loses sight of the big picture. You understand that for a craft worker, a weekly paycheck is a matter of trust and livelihood. You are a steady hand for your team and a strategic partner to the Director."
Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $65,000 - $170,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.
