Payroll Operations Specialist

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support the People, Culture, and Belonging Division in Nashville. The role focuses on processing payroll, resolving issues, and ensuring timely, accurate employee payments.

The position requires 1–3 years of payroll experience, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Office-based role with emphasis on compliance and data security within the Tuition and Payroll framework.

Qualifications

• One to three years of payroll experience preferred.
• Experience in payroll processing, payroll administration, customer service, or human resources support.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Process off-cycle payroll batches, special payments, adjustments, and corrections accurately.
• Respond to payroll help desk tickets regarding paychecks, timecards, taxes, direct deposit, and deductions.
• Research and resolve employee payroll issues.
• Monitor and manage payroll ticket queues to meet service level expectations.
• Assist employees with direct deposit setup and updates, ensuring documentation is complete.
• Review payroll transactions for completeness and accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Research payroll earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other payroll concerns.
• Assist with processing payroll adjustments, overpayments, retroactive payments, and manual check requests.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information.
• Assist with locating and resolving uncashed payroll checks and inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll regulations and system processes.

Skills

Payroll processing

Customer service

HR support

Excel

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support the People, Culture, and Belonging Division in Nashville. The role focuses on processing payroll, resolving issues, and ensuring timely, accurate employee payments.

The position requires 1–3 years of payroll experience, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Office-based role with emphasis on compliance and data security within the Tuition and Payroll framework.