Accountant III - Leave, Payroll Manager

Overview

Title:

Leave Manager

Department:
Payroll and Timekeeping Unit, Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS)

Location:

Fort Logan, 3814 W. Princeton Cir., Denver, CO (Hybrid: office 2 days/week, remote 3 days/week)

Note:

This position is open to current Colorado residents only. The recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Lead and supervise payroll leave processing, ensuring accurate and timely payroll and time‑keeping for all leave cases.

Duties include:

• Reviewing and ensuring compliance with federal and state payroll regulations;
• Analyzing problems and implementing procedural improvements;
• Participating in system design and roll‑out for departmental and statewide projects;
• Advising staff on audit deficiencies and corrective actions;
• Preparing reconciliations and documentation for audit requests;
• Maintaining accurate reporting for management and regulatory purposes;
• Managing the work product of three direct subordinate positions and second‑level reporting staff.

• Direct supervision of Accounting I & II staff and program assistants;
• Indirect supervision of accounting technicians and related staff;
• Overseeing hiring, training, scheduling, leave approvals, and performance evaluations;
• Providing guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Apply accounting principles to resolve non‑routine payroll and time‑keeping issues;
• Negotiate and mediate resolutions for disputed calculations;
• Educate staff and stakeholders on relevant laws and regulations;
• Build and maintain positive relationships with HR, benefits, and internal customers.

• Gather and analyze documentation requested by auditors;
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete submissions.

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, or payroll work;
• Or a combination of 27 semester hours in accounting or auditing plus equivalent experience;
• CPA licensure by the Colorado Board of Accountancy counts for six (6) years of the requirement.

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication and customer‑service abilities;
• Experience managing difficult situations;
• 5+ years of supervisory experience;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Access) and Google productivity tools;
• Experience with CORE (Advantage) and public‑sector accounting;
• In‑depth knowledge of program accounting principles.

• Standard background verification (Name check, TRAILS, CMS, JBITS);
• Colorado residency required at the time of application and during employment;
• Occasional travel to facilities as needed;
• Former state employees terminated with disciplinary action must disclose details and provide justification for re‑employment consideration.

• Applicants may appeal to the State Personnel Board or request review by the State Personnel Director;
• Official appeal form must be signed and submitted by the applicant or a representative.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments that reflect our communities and serve them. Employment opportunities are provided to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

• PERA Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Plans and 401(k) & 457 plans;
• Medical and dental health plans with Health Savings Account supplementation;
• Paid life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage;
• 11 paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation;
• Employee Wellness program and employee resource center;
• Flexible schedules and remote work arrangements where eligible;
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.