Senior Compensation Analyst

Location: Memphis, TN (on-site)

The Senior Compensation Analyst independently supports and processes complex weekly and semi-monthly payroll activities for a large, multi-state workforce. Owns assigned payroll cycles or populations, performs advanced audits and reconciliations, resolves escalated payroll issues, exercises independent judgment on significant payroll matters within established authority, and serves as an experienced resource for team members and business partners. This is a hands-on role for an experienced payroll professional who takes ownership, enjoys solving problems, remains open to learning, and wants to grow while helping the entire team succeed.

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.

• Independently manages assigned weekly and semi-monthly payroll cycles or employee populations from data review through final validation, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Performs advanced pre-processing and post-processing audits and reconciliations of timekeeping, employee, earnings, deductions, taxes, commissions or other variable pay, and payroll control totals.
• Researches and resolves complex payroll discrepancies; evaluates available information, exercises independent judgment, determines the appropriate corrective action within established authority, and escalates material risks or exceptions promptly.
• Processes and reviews payroll adjustments, off-cycle payments, manual checks, voids, stop payments, direct deposit reversals, overpayments, death payments, separation payments, and other non-routine transactions in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Provides knowledgeable payroll guidance to employees, managers, Human Resources, Finance, and other business partners while maintaining a high level of service and confidentiality.
• Interprets and applies federal, multi-state, and local wage and hour requirements, tax and deduction rules, Company policies, internal controls, and documented approval processes to complex payroll situations.
• Serves as an escalation resource for less experienced payroll team members and business partners; shares knowledge, supports cross-training, and provides day-to-day guidance without direct supervisory responsibility.
• Supports payroll funding, banking, general ledger, tax, garnishment, audit, quarter-end, and year-end activities by providing reconciliations, documentation, research, and corrections as assigned.
• Analyzes recurring payroll issues, identifies root causes, and independently recommends practical changes to processes, reports, controls, training, or system configuration that affect payroll operations and service delivery.
• Assists with testing, implementations, acquisitions, integrations, and other payroll projects; validates results and communicates risks, dependencies, and follow-up needs.
• Maintains complete payroll records, reconciliation support, tracking logs, standard operating procedures, and audit documentation.
• Works collaboratively across the payroll team, shifts priorities when business needs change, and takes a hands-on role in shared workloads and deadline coverage.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in business, accounting, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of hands-on payroll processing experience required, including responsibility for end-to-end payroll activities or complex payroll transactions.
• Multi-state payroll experience strongly preferred. Experience supporting high-volume weekly payroll is preferred.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred but not required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrated payroll processing experience in a high-volume environment, including responsibility for complex or end-to-end payroll activities.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, tax requirements, timekeeping, payroll controls, and reconciliations, including requirements affecting multi-state payrolls.
• Demonstrated ownership, sound judgment, and ability to independently research complex issues and follow them through resolution.
• Team-oriented, hands-on approach with a willingness to cross-train, mentor others, share work, and step in wherever needed to meet payroll deadlines.
• Curiosity and openness to learning new systems, processes, laws, and business practices while continuing to develop as a payroll professional.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service and communication skills when working with employees, managers, and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and remain accurate and composed in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, filters, sorting, lookups, and reconciliation of large data sets.
• 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 and payroll 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.