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Payroll Manager - Accountant IV

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Payroll Manager - Accountant IV

Salary

$89,520.00 - $120,000.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IHA 01531 11/12/2025

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

Financial Services

Opening Date

11/12/2025

Closing Date

11/19/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

3814 W. Princeton Cir Denver, CO 80236

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

[email protected]

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Remote Work/Hybrid: In office 2 days a week, Remote 3 days a week

Fort Logan/1575 Sherman

Please note: these working arrangements are subject to change.

The effective start date of the selected candidate will begin on or after January 1, 2026.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)

Description of Job

Remote Work/Hybrid: In office 2 days a week, Remote 3 days a week

Fort Logan/1575 Sherman

About this Unit:

This unit exists to support the Human Services system by managing departmental financial operations and resources, to accomplish effectively and efficiently the fiscal and accounting functions related to the diverse programs within the Department of Human Services, to provide fiscal support related to sources and uses of funds to program and budget management, to provide timely and accurate financial data and reports in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements, Federal regulations, and State fiscal rules and accounting controls.

The Timekeeping/Payroll office is responsible for the accurate and timely collection and reporting of hours worked and leave taken by Department employees in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and State Personnel Rules. This unit serves over 5,400 employees in eleven agencies (DHS, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Wheat Ridge Regional Centers, Colorado Mental Health Institute at Ft. Logan and Pueblo, Division of Youth Services, and Fitzsimons, Rifle, Homelake, and Florence Veterans Community Living Centers) that are located in the state and provides payroll and timekeeping functions for the entire Department. This unit is also responsible for supporting the Cost Accounting unit with recording, classifying, verifying, and reporting for agencies and programs within CDHS. Employees in this unit are in contact with all agency employees of varying ages and backgrounds, and as contact is maintained with employees, there is also contact with the developmentally disabled and mentally ill clients and patients

About this Position:

Are you ready to take on a challenging role that will test your mathematical skills while making a real impact? We’re looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to manage payroll for the state, navigating through a complex, evolving system. The role offers exciting challenges with tight deadlines, and the opportunity to work with a large, dynamic team. At the heart of it, working with us means being part of something greater. We are the people who support the people of Colorado! You’ll have the chance to contribute to a critical function that supports the state's operations while enjoying excellent benefits and a supportive work environment. If you’re passionate about overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and working collaboratively, this is the role for you!

The Payroll Manager exists to supervise all payroll and timekeeping functions performed, managing the Payroll Supervisors and Kronos Administrator; ensure accurate and timely payroll and timekeeping functions are performed effectively, efficiently, timely and in a professional manner to provide accurate payroll payments to employees and to ensure accurate deductions for all applicable taxes, insurance, and other payroll deductions; proper payments are made to third parties; accurate reporting for management, W-2s, and other reporting purposes; review and adjust as necessary process on documentation and reconciliations; respond to audit requests as received by the Office of the State Auditor or other outside auditors; advise and train agency managers and employees on department system(s) and processes, to correct audit deficiencies, and other issues that arise; ensure critical procedures are performed to maintain the operation of the systems in the department as they relate to (DHS, Grand Junction, Pueblo and Wheat Ridge Regional Centers, Colorado Mental Health Institute at Ft. Logan and at Pueblo, Division of Youth Services, and Fitzsimons, Rifle, Homelake and Florence Veterans Community Living Centers); provide program and administrative support services to include procurement,

Summary of Duties:

This position is fully accountable for the work product of four full-time Accountant II (Payroll Supervisors) positions and the Administrator IV (Kronos Administrator) and their direct reports as a second-level supervisor. This position assigns tasks, monitors progress and workflow, verifies, schedules work, and establishes work standards. The duties of this position are of a fully operational accountant. Decisions made by this position are at the interpretive level and require formulative analysis and independent judgment. The complexity of duties involves the nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment to be considerate of theory, concepts, and generally accepted principles along with agency-specific needs in relation to decisions and processes established. The purpose of regular work contacts outside of the supervisory chain is often to find information or solve problems where the issues or results are not already known. This position establishes what accounting process will be done, developing the staffing patterns and work units to deploy staff.

Supervision

+ Direct supervision of one Assistant Department Manager (Accountant III) and two Payroll Leave Supervisors (Accountant II and Work Compensation Specialist III)

+ Serves as the second level supervisor for 14 Departmental Staff

+ Coach and mentor staff on leadership skills and techniques.

+ Provide general directives and overall goals and objectives for supervised positions, serve as a resource for these positions

+ Addresses staff performance and behavioral issues using HR resources, PMP resources, and this position’s supervisor.

Unit Management

+ Applies generally accepted accounting principles, federal, state, and department rules and regulations to resolve non-routine issues, disputes, and questions concerning hours worked, leave and overtime calculations, and payroll calculations and adjustments for employees.

+ Analyze areas of process and procedure discrepancy within the department and make decisions as to the correct standard process. Document and communicate these standardized processes and procedures to the Staff.

+ Oversees and assists in the resolution of OIT issues and change order requests, statements of work, and issues/problems related to the functioning of the payroll system, production servers, Data Collection servers, and data requests received from high-level management within and from outside the Department.

+ Provides guidance and expertise to staff and customers in the areas of payroll, timekeeping, benefits, FMLA, STD, timekeeping, workers compensation, PERA forms, and other related issues.

+ Ensures ongoing compliance with all relevant federal and state legislation, policies, and procedures affecting the assigned areas of responsibility, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA), Colorado Code of Regulations, Department of Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Colorado WIN's agreements, and the State of Colorado Fiscal Rules

Oversight of Processes and Analysis

+ Provides oversight and guidance over the Processes and Analysis for the following areas:

+ Central Collection and Overpayment

+ Liability Balance Sheet Accounts

+ Quarterly Unemployment Insurance

+ Confirm payroll reconciliation process for the individual agencies is followed and revise the process as needed.

+ Reviews and analyzes all communications and procedures by DPA and Personnel Rules to ensure all regulations and guidelines.

+ Manages the process of overpayment with DPA.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis, therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.

Minimum Qualifications

Option 1

+ Nine (9) years of professional experience in accounting - public or private sector

+ Please note: This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered.

OR

Option 2

+ A combination of related education (coursework requires 27 semester hours completed in accounting or auditing) and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years

+ Current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will count for six (6) years of the requirement

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions such as VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and data analysis . Candidates must complete and pass an Excel skills test as part of the hiring process to demonstrate these abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Advance degree in F inance or Math metrics

+ Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

+ Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

+ Supervisory experience

+ Experience leading a large team with mandated deadlines

+ Ability to work in a fast paced work environment

+ State of Colorado payroll experience

Conditions of Employment:

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.

+ You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

+ You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) .

+ You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

+ By email ([email protected]), or

+ Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

+ Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

+ Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

+ At (303) 866-3300, or

+ Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please [email protected]

The job offer is contingent upon funding availability from all sources, including state and federal (if applicable), to start or continue

Supplemental Information

+ How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

+ The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)

For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected]

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

+ Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

+ Relevant years of state service experience

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

+ Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

+ Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans

+ Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

+ Paid life insurance

+ Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)

+ 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

+ State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)

+ Employee Wellness program

+ Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

+ Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .

Our Values:

+ We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

+ Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

+ We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

+ Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

+ We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

+ Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADAA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected] .

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support)

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

+ This information is available to me and I have read this information.

+ I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

03

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

04

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

05

Please indicate the years and type of experience you have with the Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace applications (Drive, calendars, etc.)

06

Describe a situation where you had to consistently prioritize and manage a high volume of ongoing tasks with no clear endpoint for completion, and how you ensured efficiency and effectiveness in such a dynamic environment.

07

Explain the key benefits of collaboration in a team setting, while also identifying potential pitfalls that can hinder team effectiveness and how you would proactively address them.

08

How do you deal with confrontation towards you from customers? From your subordinates?

09

How would your direct reports describe your management style? How has your management style changed as you obtained more experience?

10

Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision with limited information. How did you approach it?

11

How do you motivate people? What is your approach to delegation?

12

How would you work to increase communication between the levels of staff in our payroll Department?

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

Apply

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