Accountant III - Leave, Payroll Manager

Position Overview

This position is open to current Colorado residents only. Remote Work/Hybrid:
In office 2 days a week (Wednesday & Thursday), Remote 3 days a week.

Location:

Fort Logan 3814 W Princeton Cir., Denver, CO 80236.

We are hiring the Leave Manager for the Payroll and Timekeeping Unit at the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). This mid‑management role oversees payroll leave supervisors, staff, and ensures accurate payroll, deductions, reporting, and audit compliance.

• Supervise payroll leave supervisors, work leads, and program assistant staff; assign tasks, monitor progress, and schedule work.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll and timekeeping functions related to leave cases, including correct deductions and third‑party payments.
• Prepare documents and reconciliations to respond to audit requests from the Office of the State Auditor and other outside auditors.
• Assess compliance with federal and state rules, accounting practices, and regulations; develop and implement procedures to maintain compliance.
• Analyze problem areas, devise resolutions, and design plan of action for process improvements.
• Provide analysis, customer service, and guidance to staff and external stakeholders; negotiate and mediate disputes concerning hours worked, leave, overtime, and payroll calculations.
• Maintain positive relationships with Human Resources, Benefits/Risk Management, Central Payroll, and other stakeholders.
• Gather and analyze documentation for auditors; ensure submission of accurate, timely work product.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, INDEX/MATCH, conditional formatting and data visualization).
• Ability to clean, analyze, and present data to support decisions.
• Experience in preparing financial statements, reconciliations and implementing accounting controls.
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment and adapt to changing regulations.

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience in accounting, finance or payroll inclusive of supervisory functions.
• Alternatively, a combination of related education (27 semester hours in accounting or auditing) and at least eight (8) years of experience.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure counts for six (6) of the eight years.

• High attention to detail and strong communication skills.
• Exceptional data analytics and Microsoft Office (Excel, Access) proficiency.
• Experience with CORE Advantage and/or public‑sector accounting systems.
• Five or more years of supervisory experience.
• Background in human‑services program accounting and financial controls.

• Standard background check; TRAILS, CMS, and JBITS.
• State of Colorado residency required at application time and throughout employment.
• Occasional travel to facilities or other offices for training and department requirements.
• Disclosure of any prior disciplinary termination or resignation from state employment.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and serve them. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status.