Payroll Specialist

Montgomery County (PA); Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County is seeking a Payroll Administrator to handle the bi-weekly payroll, deductions, and direct deposits. The role maintains records, processes garnishments, and ensures compliance with federal and state requirements.

The position supports employees with payroll inquiries and manages leaves, W-4 changes, and local tax withholdings. Knowledge of ADP and strong accuracy are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years payroll experience.
• Knowledge of payroll systems, deductions, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with ADP and garnishment processing.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll and entry of deductions.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation for deductions and distributions.
• Set up direct deposits and issue manual payroll payments when needed.
• Investigate rejected deposits and NOC reports; reissue payments as required.
• Process garnishments and comply with related payments and reporting.
• Audit payroll records for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues promptly.
• Manage leaves of absence lifecycle (FMLA, state leaves, disability).
• Review W-4 and local tax withholdings for employees; adjust as needed.
• Assist with payroll system access and self-service setup for staff.
• Support payroll accounting with accruals and funding reports.

Skills

Payroll systems

ADP

Garnishments

Compliance

MS Office

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ADP

Job description

Responsible for processing bi-weekly payroll and ensuring the timely and accurate entry of all payroll deductions. Maintains comprehensive payroll records and associated files, including documentation required for the proper distribution of deductions to applicable payees. This role supports the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of payroll operations.

• Collect and maintain banking information for direct deposit setup, initiate payroll deposits on paydays, and create manual banking entries for urgent pay corrections, including issuance of manual payroll checks.
• Investigate and resolve rejected deposits and NOC (Notice of Change) reports, including reissuing payments and ensuring accurate employee banking information.
• Process and monitor garnishment orders and other payroll-impacting actions, maintain relationships with garnishing agencies, and prepare and remit payments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain and document all payroll records, including managing electronic files for Federal W-4 changes, direct deposit updates, and other payroll-related documentation.
• Conduct periodic audits of payroll records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and resolve issues related to uncollected payroll, including research, reconciliation, and corrective action.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee inquiries regarding payroll issues, tax withholdings, deductions, and related concerns.
• Process and manage the full lifecycle of leaves of absence, including FMLA, state-mandated paid leave, disability, Federal military and personal leave. Evaluate medical documentation, track eligibility and leave duration.
• Review and approve employee self-service changes, including direct deposit updates and W-4 withholding elections, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Work with employees to ensure proper setup and accuracy of local tax withholdings, including EIT and LST deductions.
• Assist employees with payroll system access, including portal navigation and password resets, to support efficient use of self-service tools.
• Prepare and reissue payroll documentation, including W-2 forms and paystubs, and complete payroll-related employment verification requests.
• Support payroll accounting functions by assisting with accrual questions, preparing funding reports, and coordinating payroll-related financial documentation.
• Create and process third-party wire transfers and intra-county transfers related to payroll and benefit obligations.
• Provide first-level support and guidance to department managers on payroll policies, procedures, and compliance requirements, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years payroll experience.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Prior experience and knowledge of ADP.

Competencies, Skills and Other Experience

• Knowledge of payroll systems and procedures, including processing, deductions, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of federal wage and hour regulations, including a basic understanding of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines.
• Working knowledge of garnishment laws and payroll-related obligations, including proper handling and administration.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate information, and implement appropriate solutions.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of payroll processing and recordkeeping.
• Ability to learn and effectively operate computer systems and payroll programs.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams; and the ability to adapt to new software, systems and technology tools as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The physical demands and work environment here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; see; talk and hear.
• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE

Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.