Payroll Specialist

Specialized Dental; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Dental Partners in Franklin, TN is seeking a Payroll Specialist to handle accurate bi-weekly and monthly payroll processing and year-end reporting for a multi-state workforce.

The role requires at least five years in payroll administration, strong regulatory knowledge, and experience with ADP/Workday/UKG. You will collaborate with HR and benefits to ensure compliant payroll and high-quality service.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll administration experience, preferably in a multi-state environment.
• 3+ years with HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG), including maintaining employee records and processing payroll changes.
• 3+ years resolving payroll and tax discrepancies.
• 3+ years preparing or validating quarterly and year-end payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, W‑2/W‑2c, SUTA).
• 2+ years supporting audits (payroll and financial) through preparation of payroll summaries, reconciliations, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Administer bi-weekly/monthly, end-to-end payroll processing for all employees.
• Maintain payroll data in the Payroll/HRIS system, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and benefit deductions.
• Verify timekeeping records and reconcile pay registers before payroll submission.
• Maintain payroll calendars, ensuring all deadlines and cutoff dates are met.
• Collaborate with HR and benefits administrators to resolve benefit-related payroll issues and assist employees with payroll questions related to benefits.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting payroll and benefits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Review and validate quarterly payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, SUTA) for accuracy.
• Prepare payroll summaries and year-to-date reports for audits and management review.
• Prepare, verify, and distribute W-2 forms; reconcile W-2 data to quarterly 941 reports and the general ledger.
• Maintain documentation and evidence for year-end tasks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field

Tools

ADP

Workday

UKG

Job description

Overview

About Specialized Dental Partners: Specialized Dental Partners is a doctor-led network of 275+ specialty dental practices and 450+ doctors across multiple states. We offer the scale, resources, and professional connections that help specialists and teammates thrive, while maintaining the supportive culture and local relationships that define our organization.

Our purpose, We Care More, shapes how we support our doctors, teammates, and patients every day. We care more about patient outcomes, doctor success, teammate growth, meaningful relationships, and the communities we serve. By combining clinical excellence with a people-first culture, we create an environment where specialists can build rewarding careers while making a lasting impact.

At Specialized Dental Partners, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community committed to helping you succeed.

From mentorship and career development to clinical collaboration and leadership opportunities, we are committed to helping our people grow personally and professionally.

If you're looking for an organization where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference, we'd love to meet you!

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing and year-end reporting. This role requires at least five years of experience in payroll administration, strong knowledge of payroll systems, and a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations. Serving as the primary point of contact for payroll, the specialist ensures compliance, accuracy, and high-quality service to employees and management. Comprehensive benefits knowledge is necessary to manage payroll deductions, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits—ensuring correct withholding, remittance, and reporting in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Payroll Responsibilities

• Administer bi-weekly/monthly, end-to-end payroll processing for all employees.
• Maintain accurate payroll data in the Payroll/HRIS system, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and benefit deductions.
• Verify timekeeping records and reconcile pay registers before payroll submission.
• Maintain payroll calendars, ensuring all deadlines and cutoff dates are met.
• Collaborate with HR and benefits administrators to resolve benefit-related payroll issues and assist employees with payroll questions related to benefits.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting payroll and benefits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Tax Support Responsibilities

• Review and validate quarterly payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, SUTA, etc.) for accuracy.
• Prepare payroll summary and year-to-date reports for audits and management review.
• Prepare, verify, and distribute W-2 forms; reconcile W-2 data to quarterly 941 reports and the general ledger.
• Prepare W-2c/W-3c corrections as needed and communicate with affected employees.
• Maintain documentation and evidence (e.g., payroll registers, reconciliation worksheets, submission confirmations) for year-end tasks.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws related to payroll, wage and hour regulations, and payroll tax requirements.
• Set up new tax set-ups for state and local jurisdictions (build process for new partnerships)

Qualifications

Experience

Requirements:

• 5+ years of payroll administration experience, preferably in a multi-state environment.
• 3+ years of experience working with HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG), including maintaining employee records and processing payroll changes.
• 3+ years of experience resolving payroll and tax discrepancies.
• 3+ years of experience preparing or validating quarterly and year‑end payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, W‑2/W‑2c, SUTA).
• 2+ years of experience supporting audits (payroll and financial) through preparation of payroll summaries, reconciliations, and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities to meet strict deadlines.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting tools.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Specialized Dental Partners, its affiliates, related companies andindependently owned supported clinical practicesare proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The pay range for this role is $28 per hour to $33 per hour. At Specialized Dental Partners, its affiliates, related companies and independently owned supported clinical practices, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable pay for all employees. We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding pay equity and non-discrimination. Our compensation practices are designed to ensure that employees are paid fairly based on their role, experience, performance, and contributions to the company, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We regularly review our compensation practices and conduct pay equity audits to identify and address any disparities. By fostering a culture of transparency and fairness, we aim to create an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.