Assistant Payroll Manager @ Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department

Office of the Controller

This position serves as the Assistant Payroll Manager for MSU Denver. It includes oversight of all payroll-related matters, such as tax filings, vendor payments, garnishments, on-time payments, , staff supervision, etc.

60% Payroll Process Management

Prepare and processthe University’s payroll expenditures, withholdings/contributions, vendor payments, tax compliance, employee repayments of payroll overpayments, and manual payments.

Responsible for regulatory filings, including with filing with IRS, Social Security Administration, Colorado Department of Revenue, including but not limited to W2s, 1042s, and 941s. Prepares and processes Federal state withholding and Medicare tax, local tax, as well as out-of-state taxes, and unemployment taxes and reporting. Ensures compliance with payment, reporting and other tax-requirements, including external setting up internal MSU accounts for out-of-state taxes which includes completing amended tax returns when necessary.

Process/ Backup for semi-monthly payroll and/or Monthly Payroll if asked.

Serves as a liaison between MSU Denver and state, local, and federal agencies, representing the University’s position and advocating for favorable rulings and outcomes. Serves as contact for payroll-related external entities such as the IRS, garnishment agencies, taxing authorities, etc. Works with vendors and other third parties to resolve process issues and errors to ensure compliance to related laws and regulations.

Coordinates information flow with the Bank Accountant and Accounts Payable to disburse payroll payments and withholdings on time. Also coordinates with the Accounting Services office to resolve any reconciliation discrepancies.

Maintains, evaluates, and implements payroll procedures and policies for the Payroll department to meet quality assurance goals for the University’s payroll accounting system including, but not limited to, testing and implementation of system upgrades, and reconciliation of payroll data with the University’s general ledgers, while ensuring appropriate segregation of duties surrounding the payroll functions.

Assists Payroll manager in recruiting, selecting, mentoring, and training new employees, including assigning job duties, scheduling work, monitoring workload, assisting to ensure Payroll daily goals and deadlines are met, and reviewing and approving timesheets.

Provides customer service for staff, faculty, and students by responding to inquiries regarding any payroll questions, i.e. pay amounts, wage levies and garnishments, withholdings, direct deposit, etc.

Assist the payroll manager with year-end W-2 filing and Accounting Services with the 1042S filing and prepare year-end closing and adjusting entries.

Assists with the financial audits of the University.

Performs other duties as assigned.

40% Customer Service and Metrics  

Assist and be involved in Workday Payroll Projects involving strategy, designof Payroll systems support, integrations, business processes, security, and data integrity to ensure timely and successful delivery.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and address potential risks and roadblocks in the transformation process to produce reliable, accurate information for Payroll/ HR/ Finance reporting, planning, regulatory, and forecasting purposes. Communicate project updates, progress, and challenges to the Payroll Manager and internal stakeholders.

Assist and be involved in the maintenance, upgrade, and support of Payroll systems, ensuring high availability and reliability.

Conduct regular audits of system usage, performance, and security to ensure optimal functionality and compliance with internal and external standards .

Ensure rapid response to campus inquiries regarding payroll processing, and appropriate HR/ Financial Aid / Finance-related forms that impact payroll processing, troubleshoot potential errors, and implement the appropriate changes to ensure payroll is properly processed and recorded in the accounting system.

Coordinates with Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology Services (ITS) on all changes related to pay, specifically furloughs, paid time off, new deduction and earnings codes, employee classes, changes in minimum wage, etc.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in accounting, or any related field.
A minimum of four (4)years of hands on experience processing payroll in an integrated ERP system for an institution with over 2000 employees, which must include experience paying withholdings, working with taxing authorities, processing W2s, garnishments, collecting repayments, processing TIAA , Fidelity contributions, PERA (or a similar retirement). Identifyingvarious benefits and deductions, preparing related billings, reconciling system information.

Knowledge of IRS regulations and Taxes reporting requirements.

Working with semi-monthly and/or monthly payrolls.

Overseeing the work of others.

Ability to reconcile accounts to ensure they are cleared out each month.

Respond to queries within the published response timelines, analyze problems recommend/implement solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience processing payroll in the Workday ERP specifically.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualiﬁcation. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the Office of the Controller, and the University.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule and requires 2 days of on-site work, which may be adjusted in the future if necessary.
Travel: Some local travel may be needed occasionally.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full salary range for this position is $58,189.00 - $ 87,283.00.

The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $58,189.00 -$72,736.00

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by 11:59pm MT October 9, 2025.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Sophia J Montano

Posting Representative Email

[email protected]

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at[email protected].

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

Assistant Payroll Manager