Payroll Clerk

We are looking for a Payroll Clerk to join our client's team in Knoxville, Tennessee in a contract to permanent, onsite role. This position supports weekly payroll activity for a large hourly workforce across multiple states and requires a strong focus on precision, timeliness, and confidentiality. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with payroll data, resolving discrepancies, and communicating clearly with employees and internal payroll contacts.

Responsibilities:

• Manage weekly payroll processing for a multi-state hourly employee population, ensuring pay is completed accurately and on schedule.

• Gather, verify, and reconcile timekeeping records so payroll inputs are complete and aligned with company standards.

• Enter payroll information manually when needed and calculate items such as overtime, shift premiums, and related earnings adjustments.

• Partner with payroll leadership to follow established procedures, support day-to-day operations, and build knowledge of internal payroll processes.

• Use Microsoft Excel to organize payroll data, compare records, and assist with higher-volume reconciliations using functions such as lookups and pivot-based analysis.

• Address employee inquiries related to wages, deductions, and time reporting in a thorough and timely manner.

• Protect sensitive payroll information and consistently follow internal controls, payroll guidelines, and confidentiality expectations.

• Support payroll audits, reporting needs, compliance activities, and system-related administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of payroll-related experience, preferably in a high-volume environment.
• Working knowledge of multi-state payroll processing for hourly employees.
• Experience with data entry, record reconciliation, and core payroll calculations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the ability or willingness to strengthen skills in VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and formulas.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage deadlines in a weekly payroll cycle.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to respond effectively to employee payroll questions.
• Availability to work onsite in Knoxville, Tennessee, Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
• Experience in the construction or service industry, or familiarity with construction-related payroll software, is preferred.

Compensation

$20.00-$22.00 Hourly

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.