hrroles

Payroll Specialist

Appian Corporation appian.com Open · verified Oct 19, 2026
McLean Mid-level Payroll

At a glance

Mid-level Payroll role at Appian Corporation. McLean · $60,000–$110,000 base.

SalaryStated by Appian Corporation
$60,000 – $110,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
RolePayroll
SeniorityMid-level
LocationMcLean
Base pay$60,000–$110,000
PostedAug 26, 2026 · 7w ago
Role brief

hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

  • Run US payroll twice monthly for hourly and salaried employees, using Workday
  • Check payroll through recurring audits and reconciliations, following controls and applicable regulations
  • Handle payroll mail and help maintain state, local, and unemployment tax jurisdictions
  • Support payroll system implementations and integrations, and respond to internal and external partners
  • Help with international payroll processes as the role expands beyond US operations

What you bring

  • A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration, or a related discipline
  • One to three years processing US payroll, including experience with payroll across multiple states
  • Practical knowledge of wage and hour rules, overtime, employee classifications, and payroll tax withholding
  • Strong accuracy and organization, with experience reconciling payroll data and managing deadlines

Who this fits

This role suits someone with hands-on US multi-state payroll experience who is careful with audits, compliance, and competing deadlines. The position is based in McLean, United States, and centers on US payroll, with opportunities to support international processes.

From the employer

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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