Compensation Grade:

S15-H

Salary Range:

$26.07-$36.50

Opening Date:

May 15, 2026

Closing Date:

May 30, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

Payroll Development Associate I

As a Payroll Development Associate I, you will gain hands-on experience in payroll operations while building the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career. Working within the Office of Finance, you will support payroll administration by learning payroll fundamentals, applicable federal and state payroll laws, and the Authority’s payroll systems and processes. You will receive structured training in Workday payroll functions and assist with developing and generating payroll reports. Throughout this three-year developmental program, you will progressively assume greater responsibility while working closely with the Payroll Manager and payroll service agency to support the continuity, accuracy, and timeliness of payroll operations.

This is a developmental position and is designed to lead to placement in a career full-time Payroll Technician position.

Associate (Year 1)

During the first year, you will receive hands-on training in core payroll functions and practices, including payroll processing fundamentals, compliance requirements, reporting, and system navigation.

Upon successful completion of the first 12 months and the following objectives, you will receive a 5% pay increase:

• Understand payroll fundamentals and applicable federal and state payroll laws.
• Gain familiarity with the Authority’s payroll policies, procedures, and systems.
• Learn the payroll lifecycle from time entry through payroll processing and reconciliation.
• Assist with basic payroll data entry and report preparation.
• Participate in structured payroll training and professional development activities.
• Passing the Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC) exam.

Associate (Year 2)

In Year 2, you will continue training while taking on increased responsibilities and performing payroll tasks with oversight.
Upon successful completion of Year 2 and with the following requirements you will be non-competitively promoted to the Payroll Development Associate II Position:
• Complete additional professional development training and assigned projects.
• Receive Workday training, including U.S. Payroll for Administrators.
• Assist with payroll processing and discrepancy resolution.
• Develop payroll reports and support compliance monitoring.
• Demonstrate understanding of payroll systems, compliance standards, and performance metrics.
Associate (Year 3)
During Year 3, you will perform assigned payroll tasks with minimal oversight and increasing independence.
Upon successful completion of Year 3, you will be non-competitively promoted to the Payroll Technician Position:
• Process payroll tasks independently with a high degree of accuracy.
• Rotate payroll processing responsibilities with payroll leadership.
• Support advanced payroll reporting and reconciliation.
• Achieve the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

Works under the direct supervision of the Payroll Manager.


Serves in the Accounting Department of the Office of Finance at the Headquarters Office.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs varied professional activities while gaining experience and real-world knowledge in the discipline.

Assists in the creation and maintenance of payroll files, documentation, and records in accordance with the Airports Authority policies.

Attends training for developmental purposes.

Works on special payroll-related assignments.

Participates in periodic performance reviews.

Participates in quarterly reviews of performance to track development progress and periodically reports on the status and outcome of assigned responsibilities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of fundamental business principles and interest in payroll.

Ability to learn and apply Payroll policy and systems.

Strong analytical, problem solving, communication, time management, and organizational skills.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer and office suite software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Internship or coursework in Accounting, Finance, Payroll or Compensation.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

None.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is typically reviewed in progress upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Must meet in-service and continuing education/training requirements.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here. 

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.