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RH
Robert Half
Senior Payroll Specialist
Career Insights for Payroll Specialist (General)
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Based on Tennessee data
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What they do
A Payroll Specialist manages the financial and accounting work involved in processing payroll for a company or organization. Manages employee benefits programs and payroll deductions, or assists with evaluating compensation levels for different job categories and titles.
$49,392 / year median in Tennessee
-5% projected decline
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to join a service-focused organization in Memphis, Tennessee. In this role, you will oversee complex payroll activities with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and responsive internal support. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of full-cycle, multi-state payroll and can confidently manage exceptions, audits, and process improvements in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
- Manage assigned weekly and semi-monthly payrolls from initial data review through final approval, ensuring each cycle is completed accurately and on schedule.
- Conduct detailed audits and reconciliations involving time records, pay components, deductions, taxes, commissions, and payroll balancing totals before and after processing.
- Investigate complicated payroll issues, determine appropriate corrections, and escalate high-risk concerns when needed to protect compliance and accuracy.
- Handle non-routine payroll transactions such as off-cycle payments, manual checks, reversals, voids, overpayment recovery, final pay, and other special payment situations.
- Serve as a trusted resource for employees and internal partners by providing clear payroll guidance while safeguarding sensitive information.
- Apply federal, state, and local payroll regulations, along with company policies and approval standards, to resolve complex pay scenarios.
- Support team effectiveness by assisting less experienced payroll staff with troubleshooting, knowledge sharing, and day-to-day guidance.
- Contribute to payroll accounting and compliance activities by preparing reconciliations, assisting with tax and garnishment matters, and supporting quarter-end and year-end tasks.
- Identify patterns in payroll errors or service issues and recommend practical enhancements to workflows, controls, reporting, training, or system setup.
- Participate in payroll-related projects, including testing and integration efforts, while documenting outcomes, risks, and required follow-up actions.