Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join a team in Tennessee. This contract opportunity with permanent potential is ideal for someone with strong full-cycle payroll experience who can manage high-volume, multi-state payroll with accuracy and discretion. The role supports payroll operations in project-based environments such as construction or specialty contracting, with a focus on compliance, reporting, and issue resolution.

Responsibilities:
• Administer weekly payroll for both hourly and salaried employees, ensuring each cycle is completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Examine payroll information submitted by field and operational teams to confirm time, pay codes, and supporting details are complete and correct before processing.
• Verify employee earnings, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, garnishments, and labor distributions to maintain accurate payroll results.
• Handle payroll corrections, manual adjustments, and off-cycle payments when exceptions or urgent needs arise.
• Maintain organized payroll files and supporting documentation while safeguarding confidential employee information.
• Address payroll-related questions from employees and leaders by researching issues and providing clear, timely resolutions.
• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including wage and hour requirements and year-end reporting obligations.
• Perform payroll audits and reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and identify patterns that require corrective action.
• Support certified payroll activities for prevailing wage and publicly funded projects, including preparation of required reports such as WH-347 and review of classifications, wage determinations, and fringe calculations.
• Assist with payroll audit requests and reporting needs from contractors, clients, and government agencies related to compliance requirements.• 5+ years of payroll experience, including end-to-end payroll processing in a high-volume environment.
• Background managing multi-state payroll for workforces of 500 or more employees.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now and strong overall payroll systems knowledge.
• Understanding of certified payroll requirements and prevailing wage regulations, including Davis-Bacon-related support.
• Ability to review payroll data with a high level of accuracy and resolve discrepancies efficiently.
• Familiarity with payroll compliance standards covering taxes, deductions, garnishments, and wage and hour regulations.
• Experience supporting industries such as construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or specialty contracting is strongly preferred.