Payroll Accountant

Office of the Controller

Summary

The Payroll Accountant provides technical and accounting support for the Office of the Controller by managing semimonthly and or monthly payroll processes in the Workday sub-system, reconciling payroll liability accounts, managing the annuity accounts, and maintaining accurate and complete records of payroll documents while complying with all federal, state and local payroll tax regulations as well as fiscal rules of the University. The Payroll Accountant processes and maintains all tax levies and garnishments. Front-line customer service, policy and procedure manual development, problem resolution, and forms and procedure revision responsibilities will also be included, to maintain efficient and accurate processing of payroll transactions.

Duties/Responsibilities

50% Performs Payroll Processes

Performs the full process of semimonthly and/or monthly payrolls, related benefits and deductions, including but not limited to the calculation of overtime, vacation payouts, leave without pay, and review employee' pay , job and comp setup and any salary activities.

Also includes:

• Process retro entries for all pay components and benefits during the payroll process; work with HR and Benefits team to audit retro and make adjustments , cancel or suspend entries if necessary.

• Process local taxes: Denver , 941 weekly taxes and out-of-state taxes . Maintaining accurate and complete records of the payroll documents, complying with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and fiscal guidelines for the university. Contact local and state taxes for discrepancies, return notices, and any updates necessary.  

• Participates in meetings, training, workshops,etc . to convey and/or gather information required to perform job functions.

• Ensures accuracy of preliminary and final payroll reports and spreadsheets related to all payrolls.

• Provides customer service by responding to inquiries regarding payroll procedures (e.g. , wage levies and garnishments, contributions, etc.), assisting employees, taking appropriate action , and/or complying with established fiscal guidelines.

• Balances and reconciles payroll liabilities in the GL after a payroll cycle is completed.

• Prepares payroll reports and statements of employees' benefits , including but not limited to medical, dental, and life insurance coverages . Processes payments of retirement plans, annuity accounts, garnishments, tax levies, and other deduction s.

• Performs adjustments on employees' payrolls to ensure correct records and information for year-end .

• Assist with W2 Year End printing process.

• Contacts employees and performs adjustments and/or submits documentation for collections.

• Collaborates with Human Resources, IT personnel and other Payroll and Accounting staff, analyzes new processes as they pertain to payroll to ensure payroll actions coordinate with the Banner System and other departments. Works with IT to develop sub-processes as needed for new requirements arising from regulatory or data documentation changes.

• Assisted with training employees in the payroll department. Cross-trained with various departments, using the Workday system.

• Process payroll accounting adjustments to move payroll expenses to the right worktag . Audit and track the approval processes to ensure the entries are completed successfully.

• Create supplier vendor invoice requests, process supplier invoice requests to pay monthly billings, and process manual supplier invoice requests to record payments after payroll is closed . Work with the banking team and Accounts Payable to reconcile payments for accuracy and on time .

• Enter Employee benefit deductions to each payroll if needed.

• Supports writing and implementing procedures and policies for the Payroll department and assists with cross-training all Payroll personnel.

• Assists auditors to provide supporting documentation and/or information on internal processes.

20% Processes manual checks/direct deposits when needed.

Researches and prepares information on over/underpayments for employees and fixes discrepancies. Prepares Overpayment/ underpayment spreadsheet when employees are overpaid. Contact employees, submit documentation, and coordinate with HR for collection when needed.

20% Customer Service and Metrics 

• Audi t, actively identifies and resolves issues or opportunities for enhanced user experience and other Payroll Integrations in Workday environment.

• 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 Director of P ayroll and internal stakeholders.

• Develops, documents, and maintains all current and new Payroll business process workflows for efficiency and compliance.

10 % Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience (please note that one year of education is equal to two years of experience). 

• Full Cycle payroll processing experience. 

• Customer service experience. 

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet all required qualifications.  

Preferred Qualifications  

• Workday or equivalent system experience. 

• Public sector and/or higher education experience. 

• Incredible attention to detail. 

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 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 requiring in person work for first 2 weeks of training. 2 days in the office each week, and as needed.

Travel: Rarely

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 anticipated hiring range is $41, $60,174.00

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.

Applications accepted until position filled

Open Until Filled

Sophia J Montano

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: .

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 .

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.

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.