Payroll Specialist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. req3956 Department House of Representatives
Salary $72,982.00 to $95,045.00 Grade 6 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/4/2025 Close Date 9/19/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to the public

Duties

Job Summary:

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff. The CAO organization comprises more than 650 technical and administrative staff working in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending, procurement, logistics and administrative counsel.

This position is located in the Payroll and Benefits Department, Office of Finance, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), U.S. House of Representatives (House). The purpose of the Office of Finance is to provide financial management services to Leadership, Members, Committees, Officers, and Offices of the House. The Payroll and Benefits Department is responsible for the administration of staff payroll and benefits in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. This position serves as the Payroll Specialist.

 Key responsibilities include counseling current and former House employees regarding some or all federal and House specific payroll and compensation programs and maintaining proficient knowledge in payroll, compensation, and pay-related programs and elements. This position may also be responsible for distributing communications and may assist with providing briefings to employees.

 Grade level at time of appointment is determined by experience and designated level of responsibility.

The position does not have day-to-day supervisory/managerial responsibilities.


Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

•Reviews documents relating to personnel appointments, salary adjustments, title changes, leave without pay, and termination actions which affect employee pay. Makes complex pay adjustments that may involve researching different salaries between offices which can be retroactive over extended periods of time. Validates and reconciles salary and related data to assure accuracy, conformity, and adherence to regulations.

•Counsels current and former House employees regarding employee payroll and compensation programs. Distributes communications, such as monthly newsletters, to assigned customers. May assist with training and briefings, as needed.

•Assists employees in the resolution of problems. Answers employees’ inquiries pertaining to payroll calculations, checks, payroll policies and procedures, and related matters. Answers general and special inquiries and questions about the interrelationship between different areas.

•Exercises tact and self-control when dealing with employees and officials both outside and within the organization.

•Processes documents to authorize changes which affect individual employee payroll accounts, to include address changes, allotment initiations and changes, and changes in tax status (e.g.,W-4s).

•Files all source documents and computer printouts in appropriate folders. Maintains customer service support files in accordance with directives and guidelines to include, for example: Learning statements, accounting classifications records, and miscellaneous correspondence.

•Researches and answers technical questions. Works with the appropriate Member designated Financial Points of Contact (POCs) to resolve issues and update information.

•Follows both oral and written instructions and communicates clearly with customers.

•Checks the veracity of requests and provides information related to verification of employee salaries and years of employment for financial and other authorized institutions.

•Researches, interprets, and accurately applies relevant laws, rules, regulations, polices, processes, and procedures.

•Analyzes data using appropriate methods and tools.

•Uses financial systems/software to research and troubleshoot issues. Prepares reports and statistical compilations and researches and answers correspondence.

•Instructs, trains, and mentors peers as instructed by supervisor.

•Performs other official duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • USAJobs Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Qualifications:

•High school diploma or G.E.D.  

•Two or more years related experience (experience with federal employee benefits and compensation programs - particularly Legislative Branch programs, desirable) or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required.

•Completion of specialized training in relevant human resources subject areas (e.g. Certified Payroll Professional or Fundamental of Payroll Certification) or comparable on-the-job-training preferred.

•Bachelor’s degree preferred.


Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) and Competency Requirements:

•Knowledge of payroll administration, operations, and processing; ability to complete pay calculations, as needed.

•Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply an extensive variety of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and technical instructions.

• Skill in providing counseling and outreach services to customers and stakeholders.

• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently using specialized terminology associated with a variety of technical areas such as pay, leave, benefits, human resources, and government terminology.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure when dealing with emergency situations.

• Ability to analyze, code, and validate data, ensuring data integrity.

• Accuracy, attention to detail, and quality assurance.

• Skill in researching and troubleshooting issues and problems.

• Knowledge of and ability to record, process, and approve personnel transactions.

• All employees within CAO are expected to demonstrate the following general competencies: Accountability, Adaptability, Collaboration, Communication, Customer Orientation, Priority Management, and Problem Resolution.


Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactorily completing a criminal history records check (or other applicable security clearance) and a pre-employment drug-test (pre-identified position only).

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated using a structured interview process.

Required Documents

Resume

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates please submit your resume online by following the instructions in this link.

Agency contact information

CAO Human Resources
Phone
202-225-2926
Address
CAO
441 2nd St
Washington, DC 20515

Next steps

Qualified Candidates will be contacted directly.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.