Payroll/Administrative Clerk

About the Auditor's Office

Harris County, the nation's third-most populous county, delivers essential public services-from public health initiatives and disaster recovery to toll road management, flood mitigation, and justice administration. The Harris County Auditor's Office plays a vital role in supporting these services by overseeing the financial operations of more than 90 departments. The Office manages countywide accounting records, prepares financial reports, conducts audits, and processes payroll transactions for over 19,000 employees.

As part of this function, the Auditor's Office Payroll Department ensures every employee is paid accurately and on time. The Payroll/Administrative Clerk directly supports this mission by processing high-volume payroll transactions, maintaining precise documentation, and assisting with administrative workflows that keep payroll operations running efficiently. This position contributes to the reliability, transparency, and integrity of payroll services delivered across one of the largest counties in the United States.

What We Offer Future Team Members

- Competitive Pay : Up to $54,500, commensurate with experience

- Comprehensive Benefits: Including a zero-premium medical plan for employees, with affordable coverage options for spouses and dependents

- Outstanding retirement program

- Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks

- Generous Paid Time Off : Vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday

- Additional Perks: Subsidized transit/commute assistance, professional development/growth opportunities, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer status, and corporate discounts/memberships.

About the Role

Harris County is seeking a detail-oriented and adaptable Payroll/Administrative Clerk to join the Payroll Department. This position provides crucial dual support-approximately 75% payroll duties and 25% administrative duties -helping ensure accurate, timely payroll processing while maintaining workflow efficiency during peak periods or when the primary Payroll Admin Clerk is unavailable. The role is essential to reducing bottlenecks, supporting nearly 20,000 employees, and maintaining payroll integrity.

Key Responsibilities Payroll Support (Primary Functions)

- Audit and process payroll-related documents including new hire forms, change-in-status forms, deductions, taxes, direct deposits, pay cards, and other maintenance items.

- Enter and verify earnings, contributions, deductions, and net pay amounts.

- Generate and review payroll reports using an integrated financial accounting system.

- Prepare and print on-cycle and supplemental payroll checks.

- Maintain and update payroll records; resolve payroll inquiries and discrepancies.

- Learn and correctly interpret Harris County Personnel Regulations as they relate to payroll processing.

- Support departmental liaisons and employees on payroll and HR data matters.

Administrative Support (As Needed)

- Manage the payroll maintenance email and fax inboxes, ensuring all documents are accurately saved, sorted, and routed to appropriate folders.

- Perform document management and record maintenance with high attention to detail.

- Handle subpoenas and prepare related reports.

- Track incoming documents for budgeting and auditing purposes.

- Provide backup to the Administrative Clerk during high-volume periods or absences.

Minimum Requirements

- High School Diploma or equivalent.

- At least one year of clerical experience.

- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to manage PDF documents and electronic files.

- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage high-volume workflows.

- Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and perform well under pressure.

- Demonstrated confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive payroll data.

Preferred Qualifications

- 10-key proficiency.

- Previous payroll processing or data-entry experience.

- Familiarity with PeopleSoft or similar HR/payroll systems.

Key Competencies

- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong team collaboration and willingness to assist colleagues.

- Positive, professional attitude with dependable work habits.

- Effective communication skills and willingness to seek clarification when needed.

General Information

- Position Type: Full-time | Regular

- Work Location: Harris County Auditor's Office, 1010 Lamar St. 7th Floor

- Work Environment: Hybrid work model requiring self-accountability, timely communication, and consistent productivity. Position requires a minimum of two (2) days per week on-site.

- Schedule: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday | 40 hrs. per week | Must be open to extended hours during payroll processing periods and flexible overtime when needed.

- Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods of time, ability to push/pull up to 20 lbs. and lift/carry up to 20 lbs.

The mission of the Harris County Auditor's Office is to be an independent and progressive organization recognized for professionalism in carrying out the County Auditor's statutory duties and responsibilities. The vision of the Harris County Auditor's Office is to create and maintain an environment of sound fiscal management and efficient financial operations at all levels of county government, while providing support to Commissioners Court, County Officials, Department Heads, and the public with the highest level of integrity and financial stewardship.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx