Lead Payroll Specialist

• NO THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS PLEASE
• CANDIDATES MUST ALREADY RESIDE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE TO THE OFFICE IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
• Starting pay $70,000 / year

ABOUT CHATTAPAY: https://chattapay.com/

ChattaPay is a Payroll and HR Service Provider with 10 years of experience based in Florida, servicing clients around the country. ChattaPay is a new division of Bayview Payroll Services and has expanded with our Chattanooga, TN office.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Payroll Associate is a senior payroll professional responsible for managing complex payroll processing across multiple client accounts while providing operational guidance to a small payroll team. The successful candidate MUST be friendly, customer service oriented and willing to assist the team for the overall success of ChattaPay. This role combines hands-on payroll expertise with problem solving, client advisory, and workflow oversight. The Lead Payroll Associate serves as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues and ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all payroll cycles. The ideal candidate is a highly detail-oriented payroll expert who thrives in a fast-paced multi-client environment and can balance production work with leadership responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hands-On Payroll Processing (Primary Function)

• Process weekly, bi‑weekly, semi‑monthly, and monthly payrolls for multiple client accounts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Prepare and enter payroll adjustments, garnishments, bonuses, corrections, and off‑cycle payrolls.
• Review timecards, imports, and client‑submitted data for completeness and accuracy.
• Reconcile payroll batches and verify tax withholdings and deductions.
• Maintain audit‑ready payroll documentation to support internal reviews, client audits, and regulatory inquiries.
• Lead year‑end payroll activities including W‑2 processing, corrections, and distribution.

Working Lead Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for Payroll Associates when questions arise during processing.
• Provide on‑the‑job training, coaching, and quality checks to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Assist with workload balancing and prioritization during peak periods.
• Step in to resolve complex payroll issues before escalating to the CEO or tax/compliance partners.

CLIENT SERVICE & COMMUNICATION

• Act as a senior resource for high‑priority or complex client accounts.
• Provide guidance on payroll best practices, system navigation, and compliance requirements.
• Support client onboarding, transitions, and special projects as needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5-8 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a multi‑client or payroll services environment.
• Prior lead or senior‑level payroll experience required.
• Experience with payroll systems, timekeeping platforms, and payroll tax processes.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong hands‑on payroll processing skills with the ability to manage multiple client accounts.
• Working knowledge of FLSA regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll recordkeeping requirements.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, audit‑defensible work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll software systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a client‑service mindset.