Payroll Lead

City and County of Denver; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU Denver is seeking a Payroll Lead to guide a team delivering university payroll services from Denver. You will oversee full-cycle payroll processing for semi-monthly and monthly groups, ensure accurate withholdings, tax compliance, and reconciliations, and coordinate with Accounting Services to resolve discrepancies.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting and at least four years of hands-on payroll experience in an ERP, preferably Workday, with familiarity with W2s,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or accounting required.
• 4+ years of payroll processing experience in an ERP environment.
• Experience with W2s, 941s, garnishments, and tax compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a payroll team and oversee full-cycle payroll processing (semi-monthly and monthly groups).
• Ensure tax compliance, filings with IRS and state agencies, and reconcile payrolls.
• Collaborate with HR and ITS on changes to pay and deduction codes.
• Develop procedures and controls to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide customer service to staff and students regarding payroll questions.

Skills

Strong communication

Strong organizational

Work well independently

Attention to details

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related field

Tools

Workday ERP

Job description

## Payroll LeadApply: Denver, Colorado: Full time: Posted 2 Days Ago: JR105886## DepartmentOffice of the Controller**Summary** This position guides a team of payroll professionals in delivering payroll services to the organization. They are also responsible for overseeing the management, development and day-to-day work of the payroll team. **Duties & Responsibilities** 70% Payroll Process Management: * Handle/oversee full-cycle payroll processing (Semi Group and Monthly group) for employees. Prepare and process the University’s payroll expenditures, withholdings/contributions, vendor payments, tax compliance, employee repayments of payroll overpayments, and manual payments.* Manage the day-to-day operations of the payroll processing function, including reviewing and verifying payroll data and ensuring accuracy of employee payroll information* Develop and implement payroll procedures, processes, and controls to improve efficiency and accuracy of payroll operations* Train and supervise payroll team members, ensuring they are knowledgeable about payroll processes and procedures* Process payroll reconciliations and general ledger, and also coordinate with the Accounting Services office to resolve any reconciliation discrepancies* Responsible for regulatory filings, including with filing with IRS, Social Security Administration, Colorado Department of Revenue, including but not limited to W2s, 1042s, and 941s. Prepares and processes Federal state withholding and Medicare tax, local tax, as well as out-of-state taxes, and unemployment taxes and reporting. Ensures compliance with payment, reporting and other tax-requirements, including setting up MSU accounts for out-of-state taxes, which includes completing amended tax returns when necessary.* Serve as a liaison between MSU Denver and state, local, and federal agencies, representing the University’s position and advocating for favorable rulings and outcomes. Serves as contact for payroll-related external entities such as the IRS, garnishment agencies, taxing authorities, etc. Works with vendors and other third parties to resolve process issues and errors to ensure compliance to related laws and regulations.* Provide customer service for staff, faculty, and students by responding to inquiries regarding any payroll questions, i.e. pay amounts, wage levies and garnishments, withholdings, direct deposit, etc.* Assist the payroll manager with year-end W-2 filing and Accounting Services with the 1042S filing and prepare year-end closing and adjusting entries.* Assists with the financial audits of the University.* Performs other duties as assigned 30% Customer Service and Metrics* Assist and be involved in Workday Payroll Projects involving strategy, design of Payroll systems support, integrations, business processes, security, and data integrity to ensure timely and successful delivery.* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and address potential risks and roadblocks in the transformation process to produce reliable, accurate information for Payroll/ HR/ Finance reporting, planning, regulatory, and forecasting purposes. Communicate project updates, progress, and challenges to the Payroll Manager and internal stakeholders.* Assist and be involved in the maintenance, upgrade, and support of Payroll systems, ensuring high availability and reliability.* Conduct regular audits of system usage, performance, and security to ensure optimal functionality and compliance with internal and external standards* Ensure rapid response to campus inquiries regarding payroll processing, and appropriate HR/ Financial Aid / Finance-related forms that impact payroll processing, troubleshoot potential errors, and implement the appropriate changes to ensure payroll is properly processed and recorded in the accounting system.* Coordinates with Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology Services (ITS) on all changes related to pay, i.e furloughs, paid time off, new deduction and earnings codes, employee classes, changes in minimum wage, etc. **Position Competencies:*** Demonstrates values-based leadership by modeling CADRE values, building trust through self-awareness and emotional intelligence, seeking feedback, and navigating conflict productively.* Ensures operational effectiveness by managing priorities, time, and resources responsibly, adhering to policies, delivering measurable results, and meeting performance expectations.* Aligns individual work with team and departmental goals by contributing to shared priorities, seeking clarity, and adapting to change in support of the 2030 Strategic Plan.* Practices collaboration by communicating clearly, checking for understanding, building strong relationships, and engaging diverse perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.* Advances equity and belonging with awareness of culture and potential biases, listens openly to diverse perspectives, contributing to respectful and inclusive work relationships.* Innovates by developing professional skills, staying informed on relevant trends, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and outcomes. **Required Qualifications**: - To be successful in this position, you must have* A bachelor’s degree in business, Accounting, or in any related field. 1 year of experience is equal to 1 year of education* 4 years of hands-on experience processing payroll in an integrated ERP system for an institution with over 2000 employees, which must include experience paying withholdings, working with taxing authorities, processing W2s, garnishments, collecting repayments, processing TIAA , Fidelity contributions, PERA (or a similar retirement). Identifying various benefits and deductions, preparing related billings, reconciling system information* Experience working with semi-monthly and monthly payrolls* Ability to reconcile accounts to ensure they are cleared out each month* Comfortable being hands-on with daily payroll operations and system tasks* Respond to queries within the published response timelines, analyze problems, and recommend/implement solutions* Experience with Supervision**Preferred Qualifications:*** Experience processing payroll in the Workday ERP specifically* Experience administering variable pay environments* Experience in higher education **Our commitment to CADRE:**At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: **Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence**. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.**Skills:*** Strong communication skills* Strong organizational skills* Work well independently* Attention to details.**Schedule Information**Working Days of the week: M-FDoes this position require evening or weekend work: NoPlease specify the position’s work arrangements: The first three months will be on-site, then it’s hybrid 2-3 days in the office, but this may change in the future if required.Does this position require travel: No **Salary for Announcement**Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.The anticipated hiring range is $63,906–$72,000. This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits. **Instructions to Apply**For full consideration, please submit the following documents:**Resume****Cover letter** describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the positionProfessional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former). Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. **Deadline**Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by October 12, 2026.