Payroll Processing Specialist - Temp

Socket.dev; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Payroll Specialist to process off-cycle payrolls, respond to help desk inquiries, and resolve payroll issues. The role upholds strict confidentiality and requires attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Collaboration with HR and finance ensures accurate payroll processing and compliance across federal and state regulations. Located in Nashville, this position emphasizes data-informed practices, timely payroll handling, and continuous knowledge of

Qualifications

• 1–3 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Responsibilities

• Process off-cycle payroll batches, special payments, adjustments, and corrections accurately and within established deadlines.
• Respond to payroll help desk tickets, including inquiries regarding paychecks, timecards, tax withholding, direct deposit, W-2s, deductions, and payroll processes.
• Research and resolve employee payroll issues.
• Monitor and manage payroll ticket queues to ensure timely responses and issue resolution in accordance with service level expectations.
• Assist employees with direct deposit setup and updates, ensuring documentation is received, reviewed, and processed accurately.
• Review payroll transactions for completeness and accuracy and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Research payroll earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other employee payroll concerns.
• Assist with processing of payroll adjustments, overpayments, retroactive payments, and manual check requests.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee personal, employment, and payroll information.
• Assist with identifying and correcting out-of-balance conditions and payroll transaction errors.
• Support payroll record maintenance, document retention, and audit requests as needed.
• Assist with locating and resolving uncashed payroll checks and employee payment inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll regulations, tax requirements, and payroll system processes.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Excel

Communication

Education

Associate's degree preferred

Job description

About the Work Unit:

The People, Culture, and Belonging Division at Vanderbilt University is at the forefront of enriching employee experience, moments that matter, and pioneering learning and talent development practices. We aim to transform how our community learns, grows, thrives, and connects, nurturing a culture where innovation meets excellence and where every employee has a clear, data-informed pathway to grow and advance, supporting our university’s noble mission goal.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Process off-cycle payroll batches, special payments, adjustments, and corrections accurately and within established deadlines.
• Responds to payroll-related help desk tickets, including inquiries regarding paychecks, timecards, tax withholding, direct deposit, W-2s, deductions, and payroll processes.
• Research and resolve employee payroll issues.
• Monitor and manage payroll ticket queues to ensure timely responses and issue resolution in accordance with service level expectations.
• Assist employees with direct deposit setup and updates, ensuring documentation is received, reviewed, and processed accurately.
• Review payroll transactions for completeness and accuracy and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Research payroll earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other employee payroll concerns.
• Assist with processing of payroll adjustments, overpayments, retroactive payments, and manual check requests.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee personal, employment, and payroll information.
• Assist with identifying and correcting out-of-balance conditions and payroll transaction errors.
• Support payroll record maintenance, document retention, and audit requests as needed.
• Assist with locating and resolving uncashed payroll checks and employee payment inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll regulations, tax requirements, and payroll system processes.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Director of Payroll.

Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant payroll or human resources experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience and Skills:

• One to three years of experience in payroll preferred.
• Experience in payroll processing, payroll administration, customer service, or human resources support.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to research and resolve payroll-related issues independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.