Senior Manager, Payroll Operations

DPS•Denver, CO

About The Position

Responsible for the strategic leadership and overall direction of the Payroll function, including operations, systems, analytics, and process improvement, to ensure alignment with district goals, regulatory mandates, and financial controls. Ensures district employees receive accurate and timely pay in accordance with federal and state laws, district policies, and union agreements. Leads strategic programs and initiatives to strengthen payroll services, optimize technology and processes, and support the district’s long-term goals. Builds engagement and empowers teams while leading district-wide initiatives and cross-functional partnerships. The role manages daily Payroll Department operations and staff, develops and improves payroll policies and processes, ensures regulatory compliance, oversees payroll systems and reporting, and partners with district departments and external stakeholders. The position also establishes performance measures, analyzes trends, supports forecasting and budgeting, and implements improvements to operational effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, and/or Certified Payroll Professional accreditation is required.
At least seven years of related experience is required.
At least five years of management responsibility.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with the district.
Ability, with or without accommodations, to meet the physical demands of the position.
Support all students and the district’s commitment to racial and educational excellence.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Previous HRIS administration experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage daily Payroll Department operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of regular and off-cycle payroll while meeting deadlines and service expectations.
Oversee, coach, develop, and evaluate the Payroll Manager and staff by establishing expectations, promoting accountability, delivering training, and supporting collaboration, customer service, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve payroll policies, procedures, workflows, internal controls, documentation, and business processes.
Lead or participate in payroll-related projects, system implementations, organizational change initiatives, and strategic departmental initiatives; develop and deliver training and communications to support implementation.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and collective bargaining agreements related to payroll, wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, garnishments, retirement contributions, and compensation.
Oversee payroll tax administration, reconciliations, balancing, employee overpayment recovery, garnishments, audits, financial reporting, unemployment insurance reporting, W-2 processing, tax filings, and other regulatory reporting.
Oversee administration, maintenance, testing, optimization, and implementation of payroll, timekeeping, and human capital management systems, including upgrades, releases, tax table updates, patches, vendor coordination, and testing with the Department of Technology.
Manage payroll technology, HCM/ERP systems, software upgrades, tax table updates, and vendor relationships in partnership with the Department of Technology.
Serve as the department’s payroll subject matter expert by interpreting laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements; provide technical guidance and resolve complex payroll issues.
Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Budget, Benefits, the Department of Technology, schools, auditors, vendors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to coordinate operations and resolve complex issues.
Represent the Payroll Department in meetings, audits, compliance reviews, and cross-functional initiatives.
Establish and monitor departmental performance measures and operational metrics; analyze trends; prepare reports; support workload forecasting, resource allocation, budgeting, and project prioritization; and implement process improvements, automation, and best practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in the community, supporting students so they feel seen and heard and have access to high-quality education.