Strategic Payroll Operations Leader

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Health and wellness benefits

PERA Retirement

Job summary

Denver Public Schools seeks a seasoned Payroll Director to oversee the district's payroll operations, timekeeping, and related HR data functions. You will ensure accurate, timely processing, compliance with laws, and strong internal controls while leading a team of payroll professionals.

You will partner with Human Resources, Finance, and IT to optimize processes, report on metrics, and support strategic initiatives that improve service delivery for staff and administrators across the district.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, HR or related field, and/or CPP accreditation.
• Seven or more years of related experience with five years in supervisory roles.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local payroll laws and compliance standards.
• Strong understanding of payroll operations, ERP and timekeeping systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and confidentiality practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily payroll operations for accurate, timely processing and compliance.
• Supervise, coach, and develop payroll staff to high performance.
• Develop and improve payroll policies, workflows, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with wage, hour, taxes, garnishments, and contracts.
• Oversee payroll tax administration, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Serve as payroll subject matter expert and resolve complex issues.
• Lead system administration, testing, and upgrades with IT.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Budget, Benefits, and other stakeholders.

Skills

Payroll operations

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

ERP systems

Timekeeping systems

Data analysis

Communication

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or related field

Certified Payroll Professional Accreditation

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

Payroll ERP systems

HRIS administration

W-2 processing software

Job description

Denver Public Schools seeks a seasoned Payroll Director to oversee the district's payroll operations, timekeeping, and related HR data functions. You will ensure accurate, timely processing, compliance with laws, and strong internal controls while leading a team of payroll professionals.

You will partner with Human Resources, Finance, and IT to optimize processes, report on metrics, and support strategic initiatives that improve service delivery for staff and administrators across the district.