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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Payroll Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$55.41 - $64.16/hr

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to provide steady leadership for payroll operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for someone who is ...

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CFS

Senior Payroll Manager

Greenwood Village, CO

... Manager Salary: $125K-$150K + Bonus Overview Join a rapidly growing organization in the renewable ... entity payroll operations and partnering closely with a CFO who values strategic, hands-on ...

NFP

Manager, Payroll Tax (Remote)

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site +1

$85K - $115K/yr

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations across multi-state operations * Manage and review quarterly and annual tax filings, including Forms 941, 940, W-2s, and ...

CFS

Senior Payroll Manager

Denver, CO

$125/hr

You will oversee full-cycle payroll operations for a growing, multi-entity organization with ... Lead and manage end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across ...

CFS

Senior Payroll Administrator

Brighton, CO

$80K - $90K/yr

Strong long-term career growth potential into Payroll Manager or broader leadership opportunities * Work alongside executive leadership, HR, and operations teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability ...

Ping Identity

Director, Global Payroll

Denver, CO

Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations across all entities, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. * Actively manage day-to-day and strategic relationships with payroll ...

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Terumo BCT, Inc.

Payroll Manager

Lakewood, CO · On-site

Proactively identify areas for process improvement within payroll operations and implement ... Manage system implementations, integrations, acquisitions, and other payroll projects. * Maintain ...

CFS

Payroll Coordinator

Greenwood Village, CO

$60K - $65K/yr

... with payroll, operations, and subcontractor partners • Build strong Excel and compliance ... managing detailed reporting and data accuracy under tight deadlines • Knowledge of prevailing ...

CFS

Payroll Coordinator

Greenwood Village, CO

$60K - $65K/yr

... with payroll, operations, and subcontractor partners • Build strong Excel and compliance ... managing detailed reporting and data accuracy under tight deadlines • Knowledge of prevailing ...

CFS

Payroll Specialist

Greenwood Village, CO

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

The Payroll Specialist will work closely with accounting and operations to ensure accurate and ... Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities * Basic Excel skills and ...

Tend

Payroll Manager

Denver, CO · On-site +1

This role blends deep payroll expertise with operational excellence and cross-functional ... Manage complex pay components including shift differentials, clinical premiums, overtime, blended ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPayroll Operations Manager JobsPayroll Operations Manager Jobs in Colorado

Payroll Operations Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$44.2K

$94K

$139.9K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Colorado is $94,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,700.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is payroll manager a stressful job?

A payroll manager role involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments, which can be stressful during peak periods such as tax season or audits. The job requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle tight deadlines and sensitive information, which may contribute to stress levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, you need expertise in payroll processing, compliance with labor laws, and a strong background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Workday, or SAP, as well as certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring accuracy. These skills are vital to guarantee timely and compliant payroll operations, minimize errors, and lead an efficient payroll department.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Operations ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; payroll certifications preferredUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; payroll certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll teams, manages processes, and ensures compliance across departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and verification tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in medium to large organizations across various industriesFound in organizations of all sizes, often in HR or finance departments

The Payroll Operations Manager focuses on overseeing payroll processes, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, while the Payroll Specialist handles the day-to-day payroll data entry and processing tasks. Both roles require payroll knowledge, but the manager position involves leadership and strategic oversight.

How much do payroll managers earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often require knowledge of payroll software and compliance regulations to perform their duties effectively.

What does a payroll operations manager do?

A payroll operations manager oversees the processing of employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payment while maintaining compliance with tax laws and company policies. They manage payroll systems, coordinate with HR and finance departments, and often use payroll software to handle data and reporting tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by Payroll Operations Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Payroll Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as staying compliant with frequently changing tax laws, managing high volumes of data accurately, and ensuring timely payroll processing across multiple locations. To address these, it's important to implement robust payroll software, maintain ongoing training for staff, and establish strong internal controls. Effective communication with HR, finance, and external vendors also plays a crucial role in resolving discrepancies and maintaining smooth operations.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll are often senior-level positions such as Payroll Director or Payroll Vice President, which oversee payroll operations and strategy for large organizations. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the company and location.
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Colorado? For Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:
Payroll Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,001 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
SENIOR MANAGER, PAYROLL OPERATIONS

SENIOR MANAGER, PAYROLL OPERATIONS

Denver Public Schools

Denver, CO • On-site

$87K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Denver Public Schools rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 559 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description


** Applications will be received until June 3, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **
About this job:
Oversees daily payroll operations to ensure all district employees are paid on time and accurately. Prepares tax filings and assures the District is in federal, state, and union compliance. Focus includes semi-monthly and off cycle payroll processing, deduction and garnishment processing, employment verification, and employee inquiries and requests. Develops payroll processes, procedures and trainings.
What DPS Offers You:
  • A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
  • Salary Range $87,203 - $106,806. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
  • In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.

What You'll Do:
  • Manages the operations of the department to assure critical timelines are met; responsible for the effectiveness of the team
  • Seeks for improvements in operational processes and design and implements workable solutions to business issues/problems with minimum referral to Director
  • Develops and maintains data/information quality metrics to measure and validate improvements
  • Partners with strategic stakeholders and subject matter experts related to district payroll integrated processes; provides technical/procedural assistance to staff and customers and trains and provides support on department procedures and policies
  • Ensures legal compliance and adherence to district policies as well as federal, state, and local tax authorities
  • Responsible for quarterly and yearly taxes and filings, including W2s and SUI reporting
  • Conducts working planning, estimation, and prioritization to optimize performance of team and works with Director to define standards and reusable approaches for department operations
  • Oversees reconciliation of district's employee overpayments and reporting of garnishment withholding and filing requirements
  • Provides support for district time keeping software and maintains business requirements to ensure we are in compliant with federal, state, and union regulations
  • Provides leadership for and oversight of district's payroll policies and procedures; develops and monitors internal controls

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor's Degree - Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or related field and/or Certified Payroll Professional Accreditation - Required
  • Master's Degree - Preferred
  • Three (3+) plus years of related experience in related field, including two years of supervisory responsibilities - Required
  • Previous HRIS administration experience - Preferred
  • Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
  • Strong organizational and analytic skills and strong attention to detail
  • Superior leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
  • Ability to develop and interpret data and manage resources
  • Ability to motivate and influence others
  • Ability to effectively lead a team
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Google products including docs, sheets, slides and gmail
  • Ability to multi-task and juggle management of several high-priority projects in parallel
  • High degree of integrity in handling confidential information
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead a high-performing team
  • Familiarity with ERP systems and time keeping systems
  • 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.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun
About Us
Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.

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