Payroll Supervisor

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Payroll Supervisor to lead the daily payroll operations within Shared Services, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing in Workday and related financial systems.

The role coaches staff, coordinates with campus partners, and participates in payroll processing and audits, driving service quality and continuous process improvement in a complex higher-education environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive experience in payroll administration, including full-scope payroll processing and payroll accounting.
• Experience supervising payroll staff with responsibility for work assignments and service delivery.
• Strong payroll accounting skills and hands-on experience with payroll transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead biweekly, monthly, and off-cycle payroll processing in Workday.
• Review earnings, deductions, taxable wages, and employer-paid benefits; resolve issues.
• Monitor Workday Help queue and resolve inquiries per service standards.
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations and internal controls; support audits.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, HRIS, IT, and other partners to drive process improvements.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Supervision

Payroll processing

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Workday

ADP Tax Services

Job description

Job Description Position Summary

The Payroll Supervisor oversees the daily work of Payroll within Shared Services, supporting accurate, timely, compliant, and responsive payroll services. Reporting to the Director, Shared Services, this hands-on role assigns work, coaches staff, monitors payroll cycles and service standards, and participates in payroll processing and accounting activities in Workday and the financial system. The Supervisor applies established policies and procedures to resolve operational issues, coordinates with payroll subject matter experts and campus partners, and escalates policy exceptions, significant compliance concerns, and issues beyond delegated authority to the Director. At Colorado State University, the Division of Human Resources supports employees and leaders across the university throughout the employee experience. Our work helps CSU attract, develop, engage, and retain the people who advance the university's mission of teaching, research, service, and extension. We are continuing to strengthen HR across CSU by building a more connected HR experience, creating greater clarity and consistency, growing our HR community, and evolving how we work to meet the university's future needs. Learn more about the Division of Human Resources, our work, and the values that guide how we serve CSU at: https://hr.colostate.edu/about-hr/our-values/

Job Duties

• Team Leadership Supervise, coach, and evaluate Payroll staff; assign and prioritize work, coordinate coverage and cross-training, and monitor accuracy, deadlines, and service expectations.
• Payroll Operations Coordinate and participate in biweekly, monthly, and off-cycle payroll processing in Workday; review earnings, deductions, taxable wages, and employer-paid benefits, and coordinate resolution of calculation or configuration issues. Review, process, and approve payroll transactions within delegated authority, including adjustments, imputed income, moving allowances, overpayments, Colorado WINS deductions, and payroll returns; complete or review payroll liabilities, account and bank reconciliations, balancing, and clearing activities in Workday and the financial system.
• Workday Help and Customer Service Monitor the payroll Workday Help queue within established service standards, and case documentation; resolve escalated inquiries within established procedures and refer policy exceptions or significant risks to the Director or appropriate subject matter expert.
• Compliance, Payroll, Tax, and Audit Ensure and apply payroll regulations, institutional policies, and internal controls; coordinate payroll tax reporting with ADP Tax Services, support audits, and address identified errors or control gaps, identify risks, implementing corrective actions, and strengthening payroll processes.
• Training, Collaboration, and Process Improvement Partner with the payroll subject matter expert to train staff and maintain procedures and job aids that support consistent payroll practices, compliance, and service delivery. Collaborate with HR, Finance, HRIS, IT, and other partners on complex payroll issues, system testing, and approved enhancements; use payroll and service data to recommend process improvements and report concerns and results to the Director.
• Other Duties Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Background Check (required for all new hires).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field.
• 3 + years of progressive experience in payroll administration, including full-scope payroll processing and payroll accounting.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, leading, coaching, or directing payroll staff, with responsibility for work assignments, performance, and service delivery.
• Strong payroll accounting skills, with the ability to perform hands-on accounting and payroll activities while providing functional leadership, guidance, and oversight.
• Experience using payroll systems to process, reconcile, research, and resolve payroll transactions and issues, including experience with system-based payroll processing, testing, or process improvements.
• Experience with payroll audits, compliance reviews, internal controls, payroll taxes, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience administering complex payroll earnings, deductions, taxation, and leave pay codes.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and payroll accounting principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience in a large organization (1,000+ employees), including experience managing full-scope payroll operations.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience supporting Workday Payroll processes, testing, system enhancements, or related payroll technology, including hands-on experience.
• Experience in higher education or state government.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and other stakeholders to support integrated payroll operations, operational improvements and service delivery.
• Advanced Excel and accounting skills.
• Experience overseeing Workday Help or similar case management systems.
• Experience working with ADP Tax Services or similar payroll tax vendors.
• Experience communicating effectively with employees, leaders, and senior management on payroll matters.

Additional Information

For questions, please contact: Theda Johnson, [e-mail].

Salary Range

$85,000 - $90,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) 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. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose.