Payroll Manager (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

Tusd1; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Unified School District is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead payroll and compensation operations at the District Office in Tucson. The role directs, supervises, and ensures accurate, compliant payroll processing in line with policy and federal/state regulations.

Preferred candidates have a bachelor's degree, significant payroll experience, supervisory background, and knowledge of USFR/GAAP, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 5 years payroll experience.
• 3 years supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training or education.
• Knowledge of USFR and GAAP.
• Experience with federal/state payroll taxes.
• Ability to use word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
• Strong verbal and written communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, manage and implement payroll and compensation programs.
• Ensure payroll compliance with district policies and federal/state laws.
• Maintain accuracy and completeness of payroll processes.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

USFR/GAAP knowledge

Payroll operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database software

Job description

Now Hiring with Higher Pay!Thanks to community support, our posted rates now include increases funded through a community-approved override guaranteed through June 2031.

SUMMARY

The Payroll Manager directs, supervises, manages, plans, develops, interprets and implements payroll and compensation programs and activities. This position ensures consistent application and compliance with District policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal and state regulations legislation. The Payroll Manager ensures the payroll process is complete and accurate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Management, Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or related field
• Five (5) years professional payroll experience
• Three (3) years supervisory experience
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training, or education
• Knowledge of Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP
• Experience with Federal and State employment tax laws and regulations
• Knowledge and ability to use word processing, database and spreadsheet programs
• Verbal & written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructions

REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO START DATE

• FBI fingerprint background check
• Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Infinite Visions System experience
• American Payroll Association (APA) certification - Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Experience in salary administration, payroll, benefits and retirement policies and procedures, especially with the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

COMMENTS

Effective: 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Location: District Office - 220 W 6th Street
Classification: Exempt Coordinator
FTE: 1.0 -8 hours per day
Work Calendar:12 month

Positions less than 30 hours per week are not eligible for district benefits.

Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position.

Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language. For more information on salary schedule, please reference theEmployee Agreements Webpage.

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.