Payroll Lead

MSU Denver; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU Denver is seeking a Payroll Manager to guide the payroll team in delivering accurate, timely payroll services to faculty and staff. The role oversees day-to-day operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and partners with Accounting Services to resolve reconciliations.

The position requires a bachelor's degree and 4+ years of hands-on payroll processing in large ERP environments, with semi-monthly and monthly payrolls, plus supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Accounting, or related field; 1 year of education equals 1 year of experience.
• 4 years of hands-on payroll processing in an ERP for an institution with 2000+ employees, including W2s, garnishments, withholdings, tax filings and retirement contributions.
• Experience with semi-monthly and monthly payrolls.
• Ability to reconcile accounts and perform daily payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full-cycle payroll processing (semi-monthly and monthly) for employees, including withholdings, tax compliance, and vendor payments.
• Lead day-to-day payroll operations, verify payroll data accuracy, and resolve discrepancies.
• Develop and implement payroll procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Train and supervise payroll staff, ensuring process knowledge.
• Coordinate with Accounting Services to resolve reconciliations and GL postings.
• Manage regulatory filings (IRS, SSA, Colorado DOR) and year-end reporting.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Work well independently

Attention to details

Education

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

Tools

Workday ERP

Job description

Department

Office 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 betweenMSUDenver 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

• 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-F

Does this position require evening or weekend work: No

Please 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.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by October 12, 2026.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long‑term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf .

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail] .

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.