This fast-paced position supports end-to-end payroll operations, including tax requirements, pension payments, and compliance reporting within the WorkDay ecosystem. It also assists with system maintenance, auditing, reconciliations, and handling payroll exceptions such as overpayments and garnishments.
Essential Job Duties:Administer payroll tax functions, including federal, state, and local tax reporting,
remittances, reconciliations, and compliance with applicable regulations through audits and reviews of a third-party tax administrator, ADP.Process retirement contributions, voluntary deductions, taxable earnings, fringe benefits, and other specialized payroll transactions.
Maintain Workers’ Compensation, unemployment, and payroll records; perform financial reconciliations; and support audits and reporting requirements.
Manage payroll processing and complex transactions, including out-of-cycle payments, overpayments, employee receivables, payroll adjustments, and Help ticket management all performed through Workday.
Provide payroll support and expertise through employee guidance and case resolution, payroll reporting, HR/payroll system testing, documentation, and training.
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for making decisions related to the accurate processing of payroll, ensuring compliance with tax laws, labor regulations, and company policies. This position will use their knowledge to process payroll transactions, reconcile accounts, resolve payroll discrepancies, address employee inquiries, and escalate complex issues, when necessary, all while balancing efficiency and accuracy in daily operations.
Supervision:N/A
Conditions of Employment:Pre-employment Background Check
Bachelors Degree in Accounting OR Associates Degree in Accounting with 2+ yrs payroll accounting experience.
Demonstrated professional intermediate payroll/accounting experience.
Strong organizational, analytical and computer skills.
Excellent written communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service experience.
Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in WorkDay
Experience in Higher Education
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here.
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEOColorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting OR Associate's Degree in Accounting with 2+ years payroll accounting experience.
- Demonstrated professional intermediate payroll/accounting experience.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills.
- Excellent written communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service experience.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
- Pre-employment background check.
- Experience in Workday.
- Experience in Higher Education.
- Required application documents: Cover Letter and Resume/CV.
What We Do
The Colorado State University System is a higher education institution comprising three campuses—CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global—dedicated to excellence, access, and student success.






