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Payroll Processing Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Harrow, Inc.

Senior Payroll Administrator

Nashville, TN · On-site

Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll experience, with demonstrated expertise in multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance. * Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a ...

Explore Industries

Payroll Coordinator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... and process improvements. * Ensure confidentiality and data security for all payroll and employee information. What We're Looking For Education & Experience: * Associate's degree in Accounting ...

CFS

Payroll Specialist

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$24 - $31/hr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Office Management, or a related field preferred. * Experience processing payroll with knowledge of payroll regulations, wage ...

StaffSource, LLC

Be Seen First

Payroll Specialist Lead

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$55K - $58K/yr

Process biweekly and on-demand inhouse payroll (checks & direct deposits). * Maintain and update ... Associate's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience. * Proficiency in HR/Payroll systems ...

YMCA of Memphis & The MId

Payroll Specialist

Cordova, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Associate degree or coursework in accounting, finance, or related field preferred. * Five+ years of proven experience in payroll processing required; familiarity with payroll software and systems;

3LS Solutions

Payroll Specialist I

Nashville, TN

$22.75 - $31/hr

... processing in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Do you want to be a part of a team ... Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or closely related field or ...

3LS, Inc

Payroll Specialist I

Nashville, TN

$22.75 - $31/hr

... processing in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Do you want to be a part of a team ... Associate or bachelors degree in accounting, business administration, or closely related field or ...

3LS, Inc

Payroll Specialist I

Nashville, TN

$22.75 - $31/hr

... processing in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Do you want to be a part of a team ... Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or closely related field or ...

3LS, Inc

Payroll Specialist I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

... processing in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Do you want to be a part of a team ... Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or closely related field or ...

Harrow, Inc.

Senior Payroll Administrator

Nashville, TN · On-site

Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll experience, with demonstrated expertise in multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance. * Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a ...

Wellpath

Payroll Clerk

Franklin, TN · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Process incoming mail for the payroll department and forward garnishment orders to UKG for ... Associate's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or closely related field preferred. Experience

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All JobsPayroll Processing Associate JobsPayroll Processing Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Payroll Processing Associate information

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$12

$22

$43

How much do payroll processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing associate in Tennessee is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Payroll Processing Associate do?

A Payroll Processing Associate is responsible for handling the accurate and timely processing of employee payroll. This includes collecting timesheets, calculating wages, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and distributing paychecks or direct deposits. They also address payroll discrepancies, answer employee questions about their pay, and maintain confidential payroll records. Their role is essential to ensure employees are paid correctly and on schedule.

How much do payroll associates make in the US?

Payroll processing associates in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires proficiency with payroll software and attention to detail.

Is payroll more HR or accounting?

Payroll processing associates primarily work within the payroll or finance department, focusing on calculating employee wages, deductions, and ensuring timely payments. While payroll involves understanding tax regulations and compliance, it is generally considered part of the accounting function rather than HR, which handles employee relations and benefits. Some roles may require knowledge of both areas, but payroll is typically aligned with accounting tasks.

What are some common challenges Payroll Processing Associates face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Payroll Processing Associates often encounter challenges such as handling last-minute changes to employee timesheets, staying compliant with evolving tax regulations, and ensuring timely and accurate payroll delivery. Effective management involves maintaining strong organizational skills, regularly updating knowledge on payroll laws, and leveraging payroll software to automate and double-check calculations. Collaborating closely with HR and accounting departments also helps quickly resolve discrepancies and maintain smooth payroll operations.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Manager, Payroll Director, or Payroll Vice President, which involve overseeing payroll operations and strategy. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level payroll processing roles.

What is the difference between Payroll Processing Associate vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Processing AssociatePayroll Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationTypically requires certification or relevant payroll certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often in HR or finance departmentsOffice environment, often in HR, finance, or payroll departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in various industries for entry-level payroll tasksUsed across industries, often with more complex payroll responsibilities
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for entry-level payroll roles or support positionsCompared for more advanced payroll duties and responsibilities

The Payroll Processing Associate typically handles basic payroll tasks such as data entry and processing, often as an entry-level role. In contrast, the Payroll Specialist usually has more advanced responsibilities, including compliance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in payroll operations, but the Payroll Specialist generally requires more experience or certifications.

What does a payroll associate do?

A payroll processing associate is responsible for calculating employee wages, ensuring accurate and timely payroll disbursements, and maintaining payroll records. They often use payroll software and must adhere to company policies and legal regulations related to compensation and taxes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Processing Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Processing Associate, you need a solid understanding of payroll regulations, attention to detail, and experience with payroll procedures, often supported by a degree in accounting or business. Proficiency with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), Microsoft Excel, and knowledge of tax compliance are typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help in managing sensitive information and collaborating with colleagues. These skills ensure accurate, timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance and safeguarding confidential employee data.
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Processing jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Payroll Processing jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Tennessee? For Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Processing Associate jobs in Tennessee are:
Payroll Processing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Processing Associate job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,769 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Senior Payroll Administrator

Senior Payroll Administrator

Harrow, Inc.

Nashville, TN • On-site

Other

PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Senior Payroll Administrator oversees all payroll functions, including processing, multi-state tax compliance, regulatory filings, and reporting. This role requires a seasoned payroll professional who serves as the organization's primary subject matter expert on all payroll-related matters.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll processing, establishing auditing practices each cycle to validate earnings, deductions, benefit withholdings, and compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws.
  • Coordinate with department supervisors to resolve time discrepancies, missed timecard punches, PTO approvals, and timecard edits prior to each payroll cycle close.
  • Oversee the setup, maintenance, and compliance of all state and local tax jurisdictions within the payroll platform, ensuring employee tax profiles remain accurate and current.
  • Own multi-state payroll tax compliance, including proactive management of filing obligations, remediation of compliance gaps, and serving as the primary liaison with the ADP Workforce compliance and tax filing teams to ensure all filings are completed accurately and on time.
  • Manage direct communication with state employment departments and tax agencies regarding notices, inquiries, audits, and filing discrepancies, ensuring timely and well-documented responses.
  • Process and monitor garnishment orders and other payroll specifications in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
  • Prepare and upload journal entries each payroll cycle in alignment with the accounting close process.
  • Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.
  • Respond promptly to employee payroll inquiries and support internal and external HR and Accounting audits by providing records, reports, and documentation as needed, while always maintaining strict confidentiality.
  • Produce scheduled and ad-hoc payroll and HR reports to support management decision-making and assist with any additional tasks or projects as assigned.
  • Partner with HR and Accounting to identify and implement process improvements that drive payroll efficiency, accuracy, and scalability, while maintaining financial data integrity in accordance with internal controls and company policies.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll experience, with demonstrated expertise in multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance.
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable enterprise payroll platform is required.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-state tax compliance, including direct communication with state employment departments and tax agencies.
  • Experience working with payroll platform compliance teams on tax filings and regulatory matters.
  • Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and wage regulations.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis functions.
  • Working knowledge of general accounting principles and payroll relationship to the general ledger.

Qualifications:

  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy across all payroll processing and compliance activities.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under strict deadlines.
  • Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the ability to independently identify and resolve complex payroll and tax issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional correspondence with state agencies, internal stakeholders, and employees at all levels.
  • High degree of discretion in handling sensitive and confidential employee and financial information.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to evaluate and enhance existing processes.
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About Harrow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Nashville, TN, US

Year founded

1998

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