Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support accurate and timely payroll operations in Memphis, Tennessee. In this role, you will help manage recurring payroll activities, resolve payment-related issues, and ensure employee records are maintained with a high level of accuracy and confidentiality. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll knowledge, a service-focused mindset, and the ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage weekly and semi-monthly payroll activities by reviewing time, pay, and deduction data to confirm accuracy before processing deadlines.
• Perform audit checks before and after payroll runs, correct routine variances, and elevate complex discrepancies that could affect compliance or timeliness.
• Enter and update payroll-related changes such as direct deposit details, tax elections, deductions, employee updates, transfers, and authorized supplemental payments.
• Examine timecards and payroll reports for incomplete or conflicting information and coordinate with managers, employees, Human Resources, and internal partners to secure corrections promptly.
• Address day-to-day payroll inquiries with professionalism, document research and actions taken, and monitor issues through final resolution.
• Support exception processing by handling off-cycle checks, reversals, voids, stop payments, and overpayment reviews in line with approval guidelines.
• Maintain organized payroll files, audit documentation, and tracking records while safeguarding sensitive employee information.
• Apply federal, state, local, and company payroll requirements consistently and report unusual transactions or potential compliance concerns as they arise.
• Contribute to team effectiveness by participating in training, cross-functional support, workload balancing, and improvement efforts that strengthen payroll accuracy and service.
• Identify repeated issues or unclear procedures and recommend practical changes that improve efficiency, consistency, and employee support.
• Experience processing payroll in a high-volume environment, including full-cycle payroll activities.
• Working knowledge of garnishments, payroll adjustments, deductions, and related employee pay changes.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll practices and payroll compliance requirements.
• Ability to review payroll data carefully, identify discrepancies, and take timely corrective action.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to respond to payroll questions clearly and professionally.
• Experience using payroll systems such as UKG/UltiPro or similar platforms.
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion and accuracy.