SPECIALIST, PAYROLL

Denver Public Schools • Denver, CO

3d

About The Position

Administers and manages activities within a specific area of a responsibility. Serves as the subject matter expert and applies gained knowledge to execute, maintain and improve systems, programs, or processes.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED - Required
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience, in payroll administration and processing, preferably within a large school district or public sector employer - Required
• Knowledge with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Proficiency with various proprietary payroll and HRIS systems, preferably Oracle and TruePay
• Effective communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Effectively handle multiple demands and competing deadlines
• The ability to take responsibility for one’s own performance
• Work collaboratively with others on a team
• Aptitude for variety and changing expectations and fast-paced environment
• Advanced knowledge of basic payroll laws, garnishment requirements, laws governing deceased payments, pre-tax vs. post-tax deductions and laws governing those deductions, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standard Board, preferably within a large school district or public sector employer
• Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in stressful situations
• Ability to work effectively with staff and the public
• Ability to receive, coordinate and assign various job related tasks simultaneously
• Ability to communicate clearly in both written and oral formats
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation is desired but not required

Responsibilities

• Performs independent analysis of payroll data and applies judgment to identify, correct, and prevent payroll errors across assigned employee groups
• Control payroll data integrity by performing daily audits of employee records and time card transactions. Proactively collaborate with Human Resources, Benefits, Compensation, and Finance teams to research, resolve, and correct discrepancies across systems
• Serve as a subject matter expert for issue resolution, handle employee pay concerns, overpayments, garnishments, and tax adjustments while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with labor laws and district procedures. Responds to employee inquiries by interpreting pay calculations, explaining complex procedures, and ensuring clear communication of payroll policies
• Act as a liaison between schools, central office, and cross-functional teams to provide guidance and expertise in payroll matters, promoting operational consistency and high-quality customer service
• Analyze and implement process improvements within payroll operations, contributing to ongoing system optimization, data accuracy, and efficiency across departments
• Conduct post-payroll audits and prepare adjustments, off-cycle corrections, and manual transactions to ensure financial integrity and accuracy of employee payments. Analyze pay discrepancies to determine root causes and apply corrective actions using payroll processing system
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll systems, laws, and best practices, serving as a subject matter expert and supporting payroll-related projects, including system transitions, testing, and training
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range $ $56,505 - $67,805.
• time off
• health and wellness benefits
• PERA Retirement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees