Walden Security
Payroll Specialist - Chattanooga, TN
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Payroll Staff Accountant
Summary
Responsible for payroll functions; applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports by performing the following duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and company procedures;
- Reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports
- Compiles payroll data (garnishments, vacation time, 401(k) deductions, hours worked, sales/data/piecework, taxes, insurance, employee ID numbers) from time sheets and records
- Prepares computer input forms, enters data into computer files, or computes wages and deductions, posting to payroll records
- Responds to employee/client payroll inquiries
- Reviews computed wages, correcting errors to ensure payroll accuracy
- Records changes in net wages (exemptions, insurance coverage, loan payments) for master employee payroll records
- Tracks employee transfers between departments
- Generates periodic reports (earnings, taxes, deductions)
- Prepares weekly, monthly, and year-end financial reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) for management
- Maintains records of leave pay and nontaxable wages
- Prepares and distributes paychecks
- Handles mailing of W-2s
- Takes over Billing Accountant duties when absent
- Performs other financial office tasks as required
No supervisory responsibilities apply to this role.
Reports to: Controller and VP, Finance
Competencies
To excel in this role, the ideal candidate demonstrates the following competencies (minimum of 5):
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Core Skills
- Analytical Thinking – Collects and researches data, synthesizes complex information, designs workflows
- Customer Service Excellence – Manages challenging interactions, responds promptly to inquiries, seeks continuous improvement
- Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves issues efficiently, develops alternative solutions
- Technical Proficiency – Maintains competence, pursues continuous learning, shares expertise
Soft Skills
- Interpersonal Skills – Resolves conflicts tactfully, maintains confidentiality and active listening
- Oral & Written Communication – Communicates clearly in verbal/web presentations/written reports; adapts style to audience
- Teamwork & Collaboration – Balances individual/team responsibilities; fosters group cohesion
- Ethics & Integrity – Demonstrates respect, trustworthiness, and adherence to organizational values
- Organizational Support – Follows policies, meets deadlines, supports diversity initiatives
- Professionalism – Handles pressure gracefully; treats others with respect
- Attention to Detail – Maintains accuracy in high-volume tasks
Qualifications
Must be able to perform duties effectively and reliably. Requirements include:
Education & Experience
- Associate’s degree (A.A.) from a two-year college/technical school, or
- One year of relevant accounting/payroll experience, or
- Equivalent combination of education and training
Language Skills
- Administrative Comprehension – Reads/interprets policies, procedure manuals (e.g., accounting guidelines)
- Written & Correspondence Proficiency – drafts routine reports, emails/letters, and financial documentation
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Mathematical & Financial Competence
- Calculates figures for discounts, percentages, commissions
- Applies concepts of fractions, ratios, algebra, and basic geometry to tasks like:
- Payroll, overtime, deductions calculation
- Tax, insurance, overtime calculations
- Work hours, piece rates, discounts, wage structures
Reasoning Ability
- Follows written/oral instructions
- Analyzes concrete data in standardized situations
Technical Skills
- Software Proficiency: Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks), payroll systems, HRIS, spreadsheets (Excel), word processing, contact management systems, database applications
Certifications & Compliance
- Valid state driver’s license
Physical & Background Requirements
- Must pass drug screening and criminal background checks
Physical Demand & Work Environment
- Regular movement (sitting, standing, walking)
- Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs)
- Ability to handle moderate noise levels
- Standard vision/hearing requirements
Note: This list is not exhaustive; responsibilities may evolve as needed.
"We’re committed to equal opportunity—we celebrate diverse backgrounds and skills."
Pay Range
$50,000 — $55,000 USD
Benefits & Perks
Walden Security offers:
- Extensive benefits (healthcare, retirement, growth programs)
- Career advancement opportunities within one of the fastest-growing security companies in the nation
- Supportive and inclusive culture
Apply today at Walden Security for a meaningful career with The Walden Way!
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