Payroll Specialist

About the Role

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for all payroll processing activities of the organization, including payroll-related inquiries, maintenance of employee records, and providing exceptional service to our staff.

Responsibilities

• Accurately process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll, including calculating wages, overtime, deductions, and bonuses.
• Review time and attendance data for completeness and accuracy; communicate with supervisors about missing items.
• Process employee changes, including personal information and payroll changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies, resolve issues, and address any discrepancies promptly.
• Generate and submit payroll reports and summaries as required for internal review and external agencies.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll issues, benefits, and deductions in a timely and professional manner.
• Administer and process garnishments (child support, tax levies, wage assignments) in compliance with legal requirements and organizational policies.
• Train supervisors and new hires on HRIS and Time & Attendance systems.
• Prepare and file necessary documentation for tax reporting and compliance.
• Handle all payroll and employee information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Cross-train and provide backup support for the HR team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree or coursework in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
• Five or more years of proven experience in payroll processing required; familiarity with payroll software and systems; Paylocity preferred.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Understanding of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices; ability to stay current with changes in legislation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with employees and management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive personal information.

Leadership Competencies

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for staff.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Schedule

The schedule for this full-time position is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, though work outside these days/hours may be required depending on business needs and the Payroll Calendar.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Extended periods of computer usage.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally, and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.