SPECIALIST, PAYROLL

Job Description

** Applications will be received until October 12, 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:

Payroll activities for an assigned number of schools and departments with minimal guidance and a high degree of independence. Processes all employee transactions, employee time cards, contract pay module, health leave management, and payroll processing for all district employees. Partnering with school leaders with regards to employee transactions and processing, including coordinating with other departments to ensure payroll data is correct and accurate for processing. Completes post payroll auditing, payroll corrections and overpayment processing.


What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range : $57,069 - $68,484
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits - English Version or Health and Wellness Benefits - Spanish Version , and PERA Retirement . For additional information visit our New Employee Resources page.

What You'll Do:

• 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 systems.
• 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.

What You'll Need:

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Associate's Degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience, in payroll administration and processing, preferably within a large school district or public sector employer.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation is desired but not required.
• Knowledge with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office.
• 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 a 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), preferred.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standard Board, preferably within a large school district or public sector employer, preferred.
• 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.

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.