1

Payroll Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Provide strategic and operational leadership to two Payroll Managers and approximately 40 indirect team members. * Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple payroll ...

Provide strategic and operational leadership to two Payroll Managers and approximately 40 indirect team members. * Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple payroll ...

Provide strategic leadership to a payroll organization consisting of 2 Payroll Managers and approximately 40 indirect team members. * Serve as the business leader for Oracle Payroll, partnering with ...

Payroll Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

HR Manager Your role in the mission: We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team and own the day-to-day administration of our U.S. and international payrolls through ...

Payroll Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

HR Manager Your role in the mission: We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team and own the day-to-day administration of our U.S. and international payrolls through ...

Payroll Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

HR Manager Your role in the mission: We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team and own the day-to-day administration of our U.S. and international payrolls through ...

New

Director, Payroll

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

Directly oversee Payroll Managers and provide leadership for an extended payroll organization of approximately 40 indirect team members * Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Provide leadership and direction to payroll management staff, including coaching, performance management, and team development * Collaborate on enterprise initiatives such as provider pay process ...

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.1K

$81.1K

$120.7K

How much do payroll manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll manager in Tennessee is $81,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $94,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll manager?

A payroll manager works in the payroll or HR department of a business or organization and manages the payroll process for all employees and contractors. Payroll managers are responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid on time, in the correct amounts, and for issuing pay stubs. They are also responsible for compiling payroll information and managing the pre-payroll preparation process. Additionally, payroll managers complete records for earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, benefits and disability, and maintain records for the organization and tax reporting. Payroll managers may also oversee recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating of payroll department staff members.

What does a payroll manager do?

A Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing an organization's payroll functions. This includes ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, maintaining payroll records, and complying with relevant tax laws and regulations. Payroll Managers also handle payroll reporting, resolve payroll discrepancies, and may supervise payroll staff. Their role is crucial in maintaining employee satisfaction and legal compliance within a company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Manager, you need strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and accounting principles, often backed by a degree in finance or accounting and relevant experience. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), HR information systems, and professional certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help Payroll Managers stand out. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, and effective team leadership.

How does a payroll manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing?

Payroll Managers regularly coordinate with Human Resources and Finance teams to gather accurate employee data, such as new hires, terminations, benefit deductions, and salary changes. They also work closely with IT to ensure payroll systems are functioning correctly and with compliance teams to meet legal and tax requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for resolving discrepancies quickly and maintaining seamless payroll cycles. This cross-departmental interaction offers Payroll Managers a comprehensive view of organizational operations and strengthens their problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Payroll Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; certifications like CPP or FPC are commonSimilar credentials; often holds CPP or FPC certifications, with less emphasis on management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll departments, manages teams, and collaborates with HR and financePerforms payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks primarily independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageFound in mid to large organizations across various industriesCommon in organizations of all sizes, especially in HR or finance departments

The main difference between a Payroll Manager and a Payroll Specialist lies in their responsibilities and scope. Payroll Managers oversee payroll operations, manage teams, and ensure compliance at a strategic level, while Payroll Specialists focus on processing payroll data accurately and efficiently. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Payroll Manager's role involves more leadership and oversight.

Is a payroll manager a hard job?

A payroll manager's job involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance with tax laws, and managing payroll systems, which requires attention to detail and knowledge of relevant regulations. The role can be demanding during peak periods such as month-end or year-end, and it often requires strong organizational and communication skills. Certification and experience with payroll software are beneficial for managing the workload effectively.

What do payroll managers earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They are responsible for overseeing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and often use payroll software or systems to manage employee compensation accurately.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Manager jobs in Tennessee?

For Payroll Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Manager jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Manager jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Payroll Manager jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Payroll Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,137 per year, or $39 per hour.

Director, Payroll

TDS Global Solutions

Brentwood, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Our client is a leading nationwide healthcare organization with a large, diverse workforce of approximately 55,000 employees across multiple states. The organization is seeking an experienced Director of Payroll to lead enterprise payroll operations and serve as the functional expert for Oracle Payroll. This highly visible leader will partner closely with HR, Finance, and IT to optimize system performance, strengthen payroll processes, and advance continuous improvement across the organization.
This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll leader who enjoys balancing operational excellence with systems optimization in a highly visible leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead enterprise-wide payroll operations across a complex, multi-state healthcare organization.
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership to two Payroll Managers and approximately 40 indirect team members.
  • Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple payroll cycles, legal employers, entities, and states.
  • Serve as the payroll business leader for Oracle, with a strong understanding of payroll flows, calculations, processing, validation, and production support.
  • Partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, HRIS, and IT to improve Oracle functionality and support the evolving needs of the payroll operation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve, automate, and optimize payroll processes within Oracle.
  • Lead ongoing Oracle Payroll activities, including payroll validation, production troubleshooting, testing, enhancements, and continuous improvement.
  • Drive operational efficiencies, process standardization, and automation across the payroll function.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to improve payroll processes, reporting, controls, and system functionality.
  • Support the transition of additional payroll functions back in-house as the organization continues to mature its Oracle environment.
  • Develop payroll leaders and team members while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Progressive payroll operations experience, including at least four to five years of hands-on Oracle Payroll experience.
  • Direct experience personally processing payroll in Oracle within a production payroll environment.
  • Strong understanding of Oracle payroll flows, calculations, payroll runs, validation, issue resolution, and production processes.
  • Experience using Oracle Fusion Cloud Payroll, Oracle E-Business Suite Payroll, or Oracle R12 Payroll. Candidates with substantial hands-on Oracle EBS/R12 operational ownership will be considered.
  • Experience identifying opportunities to improve, automate, or optimize Oracle within the payroll operation.
  • Multi-state payroll experience supporting multiple legal employers, entities, or business units.
  • Payroll leadership experience within a shared-services, multi-entity, or similarly complex operating environment.
  • Strong Payroll Managers and Senior Payroll Managers who are prepared to step into a Director-level role are encouraged to apply; a previous Director title is not required.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, controls, accounting, reconciliation, and day-to-day payroll operations.
  • Ability to partner effectively with HR, Finance, HRIS, IT, and other business stakeholders.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.
  • Ability to work onsite in Brentwood, Tennessee, four days per week. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Oracle Payroll implementation, post-go-live stabilization, or system optimization.
  • Experience with Oracle HCM.
  • Experience supporting payroll process automation, operational transformation, or continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Experience leading payroll teams through organizational or system-related change.
  • Healthcare or another highly regulated industry background is helpful but not required.