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Posting Detail Information

Working TitlePayroll Manager

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202500596AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleManagement I

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$105,000-$125,000

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. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on05/13/2025

Description of Work Unit

Colorado State University is a large land-grant research institution employing over 10,000 full and part-time faculty, exempt and non-exempt professionals, classified staff and student employees.

The University’s Human Resources Department is led by the Chief Human Resource Officer and has responsibility for wide-ranging activities including, but not limited to: all employee benefits; payroll; compensation; Human Resources service center; recruitment, employment selection and classification for State Classified personnel as well as general oversight of the State Personnel System within the University; employee relations; personnel policy development and interpretation; employee records and personnel action processing; and the human resource management information system ( HRIS ).

We are a department that values collegiality. Ongoing and positive interactions among Human Resources staff and with faculty, staff, and students who contribute to our department’s supportive and open culture of inquiry, as well as our commitment to collaboration and professional development.

Position Summary

The Payroll Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of payroll operations, including system set-ups/testing, and ensuring the timely and accurate processing of federal taxes and multi-state taxation across all 50 states and Guam. This position oversees an annual payroll of approximately $800 million and the issuing of over 20,000 W-2 forms.

In addition to managing payroll functions, this role requires an experienced strong leader to guide and mentor the payroll team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

This position will take the lead in configuring the Workday payroll system for a January 1, 2026, effective date, ensuring a seamless transition and optimal functionality.

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree:

+ A degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field

Payroll Experience:

+ At least 7 years of progressive experience in payroll administration managing full scope payroll operations in a large organization (1000+ employees)

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

+ At least 5 years of proven abilities to lead a payroll team and work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and IT to ensure smooth operations while deploying service excellence

Regulatory Compliance Knowledge:

+ Strong understanding of payroll tax laws, including federal and state requirements, and familiarity with the requirements of employees in multiple states

Experience with Payroll Systems:

+ Hands-on experience with payroll software and systems, particularly in managing configurations, processing payroll and balancing accounts

Preferred Job Qualifications

Payroll Systems and Software:

+ StrongWorkdaypayroll administration experience

+ Experience working with third-party payers for tax payments ( ADP )

+ Advanced Excel skills

Environment:

+ Experience in an academic institution of higher education

Certifications:

+ Certified Payroll Professional ( CPP ) or Certified Public Accountant ( CPA )

Attention to Detail and Accuracy:

+ High level of attention to detail to ensure that payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with regulations

Strong Communication Skills:

+ Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees and senior management

Problem-Solving Skills:

+ Capable of troubleshooting payroll issues and resolving discrepancies quickly and efficiently

Confidentiality and Integrity:

+ A strong understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data security in handling payroll information

Time Management:

+ Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryPayroll Processing and Compliance

Duty/Responsibility

+ Oversee the timely and accurate processing of payroll for all employees, ensuring compliance with federal, state, local tax regulations, territories and tax treaties

+ Manage multi-state payroll processing, including complex and accurate tax withholdings, deductions, and benefits administration to prevent overpayments when employees are on leave

+ Ensure adherence to labor laws, wage and hour laws, and union agreements

+ Maintain knowledge of changes in legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure continuous compliance

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategorySystem Management and Integration

Duty/Responsibility

+ Lead the configuration, maintenance, and optimization of payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP Tax) to ensure seamless payroll operations

+ Oversee system integrations with HRIS , accounting, and benefits systems, ensuring accurate data flow across platforms

+ Troubleshoot payroll system issues, implement improvements, and collaborate with IT teams to resolve system errors and enhance payroll functions

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategoryTeam Leadership and Development

Duty/Responsibility

+ Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment

+ Provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to payroll staff on payroll procedures, compliance, and system use

+ Ensure that team members adhere to best practices and maintain high standards of accuracy and professionalism through service excellence

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategoryReporting, Auditing, and Continuous Improvement

Duty/Responsibility

+ Generate and review regular payroll reports, including tax filings, W-2s, and other compliance-related documentation

+ Conduct regular audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve any issues promptly

+ Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements, employee education and automation to enhance payroll efficiency and reduce errors

+ Serve as the liaison with state and internal auditors on payroll audits

Percentage Of Time25

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit the following materials that address how professional experiences align with the required and preferred qualifications of the position:

+ A resume

+ Cover Letter

+ 3 References may be requested of those individuals moving through the later stages of the process. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search [email protected]

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.

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.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume

Optional Documents