Payroll Administrator

Description We are looking for an experienced Payroll Administrator to support a large healthcare organization in Knoxville, Tennessee. This contract-to-permanent opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented payroll specialist who can quickly contribute in a fast-moving environment with a substantial employee population. The role focuses on delivering accurate payroll across multiple pay schedules while partnering with internal teams to maintain compliance, resolve issues, and support efficient payroll operations.

Responsibilities:

• Administer payroll processing for a large multi-state workforce of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 employees with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.
• Coordinate weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll cycles, ensuring all payments are completed according to established deadlines.
• Calculate and validate complex pay components such as shift premiums, garnishments, special deductions, and employees working under multiple job codes.
• Audit payroll records before final submission to confirm completeness, proper earnings and deductions, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Investigate payroll questions and discrepancies, determine root causes, and implement timely corrections.
• Work closely with HR, benefits, finance, and operations teams to address payroll-related needs and maintain reliable employee data flow.
• Prepare payroll reports, support reconciliations, and assist with internal or external audit requests.
• Contribute to process enhancements and help uphold best practices within a collaborative payroll team.
• Utilize payroll systems and workforce management tools, including Lawson and related software, to support full-cycle payroll administration. Requirements
• At least 3 years of payroll experience, including responsibility for full-cycle payroll processing.
• Proven background handling high-volume payroll within a large organization or enterprise setting.
• Working knowledge of multi-state payroll practices and federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
• Experience managing multiple pay frequencies, including weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules.
• Familiarity with payroll complexities such as garnishments, special deductions, shift differentials, and multiple job assignments.
• Hands-on experience with payroll software and workforce management platforms; Lawson experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and communicate clearly with cross-functional partners.

For immediate consideration please contact our Robert Half office at: 865-588-6500 and ask to speak to Brady Hawkins or Kelly Fellows Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .