Payroll Specialist at American Residential Services in Memphis, TN

Overview

American Residential Services is the largest provider of residential services in the US, employing more than 7000 professionals across the country. ARS has been serving its customers with HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical solutions for over 50 years since its establishment in 1975.

Check out what we offer:

• Access to insurance available at 31 days of employment
• Low-cost Medical Insurance options, starting at $5 per week
• Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) with company match
• HSA and Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Company paid life insurance
• Learn more by visiting www.myarsrewards.com/

The Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of weekly and semi-monthly payrolls for a large, multi-state workforce. Reviews payroll and timekeeping information, performs audits, processes routine payroll transactions, researches employee and location questions, and partners with the payroll team to meet established deadlines. This role is designed for someone who wants to build a career in payroll, is eager to learn, takes ownership of their work, and is willing to step in wherever needed to help the team succeed.

Responsibilities

The duties listed below are examples of the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list. The Company may add, remove, or change duties and responsibilities at any time. Employees may be cross-trained and asked to perform other duties consistent with business needs.

• Supports assigned weekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles by reviewing timekeeping, employee, earnings, deduction, and other payroll data for completeness and accuracy.
• Performs pre-processing and post-processing audits, identifies discrepancies, completes routine corrections, and escalates unresolved or higher-risk issues before payroll deadlines.
• Processes routine payroll transactions, which may include employee changes, direct deposit updates, tax withholding changes, deductions, pay group transfers, payroll adjustments, and approved special payments.
• Reviews timecards and payroll reports for missing or inconsistent information and partners with employees, managers, Human Resources, and other internal teams to obtain timely corrections.
• Researches and responds to routine payroll questions in a professional, accurate, and service-oriented manner; documents actions taken and follows issues through resolution.
• Assists with off-cycle payments, voids, reversals, stop payments, overpayment research, and other payroll corrections in accordance with established procedures and approval requirements.
• Maintains accurate payroll records, audit support, tracking logs, and supporting documentation while protecting the confidentiality of employee information.
• Follows federal, state, local, and Company payroll requirements and promptly raises potential compliance concerns or unusual activity.
• Learns Company payroll systems, processes, controls, and location practices; participates actively in training and cross-training across payroll responsibilities.
• Works collaboratively with the payroll team, adjusts priorities when deadlines or business needs change, and helps with shared workloads, special projects, and coverage as needed.
• Identifies recurring issues or unclear procedures and shares observations that may improve accuracy, service, or efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required; associate degree in business, accounting, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• One to three years of payroll processing, payroll administration, timekeeping, accounting, Human Resources, or closely related experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrated interest in learning payroll and continuing to grow within the profession.
• Hands-on payroll processing experience in a high-volume environment.
• Working knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, tax requirements, and standard payroll controls, with the ability and willingness to continue building that knowledge.
• Dependable, team-oriented approach with a willingness to cross-train, share work, and step in to help meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment, manage multiple priorities, and ask questions or escalate concerns appropriately.
• Strong customer service and communication skills when working with employees, managers, and internal partners.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including the ability to create, update, and interpret Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience using HRIS and time and attendance systems; experience with UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Management preferred.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION: Ability to read and understand policies, procedures, payroll documentation, and business correspondence; communicate clearly and professionally in written, verbal, and electronic formats; and follow written and verbal instructions.
• NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Ability to work accurately with numerical data, spreadsheets, reconciliations, percentages, decimals, and payroll calculations.
• REASONING ABILITY: Ability to organize work, manage competing deadlines, identify discrepancies, research issues, apply established guidance, and use sound judgment when determining when to escalate.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is primarily sedentary and requires regular use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The employee must be able to communicate, remain in a stationary position for extended periods, and occasionally move or lift materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a professional office or approved remote work environment. The position regularly handles confidential employee and payroll information and may require additional hours during payroll deadlines, quarter-end, year-end, implementations, or other critical business periods.
• ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ARS may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants and employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Company.