Payroll Accountant-1

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Payroll Accountant located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This fast-paced role will support end-to-end payroll operations including tax compliance, retirement contributions, and complex payroll transactions through Workday.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or equivalent experience, alongside strong organizational and analytical skills. Knowledge of payroll regulations and exceptional communication abilities are essential.

The role offers a competitive salary range of $60,000 to $68,000, along with a commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or equivalent experience with demonstrated professional payroll/accounting experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills.
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer payroll tax functions and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Manage payroll processing and complex transactions.
• Provide payroll support through documentation and training.

Skills

Payroll accounting

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Associate’s Degree in Accounting with 2+ years experience

Tools

Workday

Job description

Summary

Fast‑paced position that supports end‑to‑end payroll operations, including tax requirements, pension payments, and compliance reporting within the WorkDay ecosystem.

Essential Job Duties

• Administer payroll tax functions, including federal, state, and local tax reporting, remittances, reconciliations, and compliance with applicable regulations through audits and reviews of a third‑party tax administrator, ADP.
• Process retirement contributions, voluntary deductions, taxable earnings, fringe benefits, and other specialized payroll transactions.
• Maintain Workers’ Compensation, unemployment, and payroll records; perform financial reconciliations; support audits and reporting requirements.
• Manage payroll processing and complex transactions, including out‑of‑cycle payments, overpayments, employee receivables, payroll adjustments, and help ticket management—all performed through Workday.
• Provide payroll support and expertise through employee guidance and case resolution, payroll reporting, HR/payroll system testing, documentation, and training.

Decision Making

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for making decisions related to the accurate processing of payroll, ensuring compliance with tax laws, labor regulations, and company policies. This role processes payroll transactions, reconciles accounts, resolves payroll discrepancies, addresses employee inquiries, and escalates complex issues when necessary, balancing efficiency and accuracy in daily operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Associate’s Degree in Accounting with 2+ years of payroll accounting experience.
• Demonstrated professional intermediate payroll/accounting experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills.
• Excellent written communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service experience.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with WorkDay.
• Experience in higher education.

Salary Range

$60,000 – $68,000.

Required Application Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV

EEO Statement

Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.