Payroll Manager

Hartford, CT

Full Time

CSCU System Office

Experienced

Details:

Posted: 1/13/2026
Level: Administrator VI (SUOAF)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with materials submitted by 5:00pm (EST) on Monday, January 26, 2026, receiving priority consideration.

Location:

CSCU System Office
61 Woodland Street Hartford, CT 06105
**This position is not remote**
For more information, please visit the campus website or www.ct.edu/hr/jobs

Connecticut State Colleges & Universities Mission:

The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) contribute to the creation of knowledge and the economic growth of the state of Connecticut by providing affordable, innovative, and rigorous programs. Our learning environments transform students and facilitate an ever-increasing number of individuals to achieve their personal and career goals.

CSCU Vision:

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities will build on its long and successful history by working collectively - within and across institutions - and by engaging external partners to increase the number of students pursuing and completing personally and professionally rewarding certificate and degree programs, improving their social mobility, and helping the state to meet its current and future workforce demands.

CSCU Equity Statement:

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities commits to bold and disruptive change by actively identifying, naming, and dismantling structural racism, systemic poverty, and other barriers; establishing equitable and anti-racist policies and practices; and empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance racial, social, and economic justice. Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess practices and policies and transform the world we live in by eliminating inequities.

Anticipated Start Date: February, 2026

Position Summary:

Responsible for managing all aspects of the shared services payroll function for all participating CSCU institutions. This includes direct oversight and supervision of the payroll team; coordination with key stakeholders on employee-related transactions; ensuring alignment of payroll procedures with CSCU policies, collective bargaining agreements, state regulations, and federal laws; and engaging in ongoing process improvements.

Example of Job Duties:

Under the direction of the Director of Payroll and HR Data Operations, the Payroll Manager is responsible for the management of a system-wide payroll function operating under a shared-services model through effective performance in these essential duties:

Serves on the System Office HR Operations Leadership Team and assists in establishing and maintaining an efficient, cost-effective, and compliant shared services function. Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of the biweekly payroll in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, CSCU policies and procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
Supervises Payroll staff members; assigns work and determines work schedules; manages personnel issues; identifies training needs and provides necessary training resources; and conducts annual performance evaluations.
Responsible for providing and overseeing the delivery of exceptional customer service. Responds in a timely and professional manner to all escalated issues. Utilizes metrics and other analytical tools to identify root causes and implement corrections and solutions.
Independently performs complex payroll functions including but not limited to the calculation and recovery of overpayments; accrual audits; deduction and withholding discrepancies; workers’ compensation and FMLA adjustments; and time and labor administration. Utilizes tools such as SharePoint, spreadsheets, macros, pivot tables, paycheck modelers, etc. to communicate status and resolutions effectively.
Responsible for the oversight of CSCU payroll data in the state system. Identifies reporting needs; generates and analyzes queries to ensure data integrity; and oversees technical processes related to the biweekly payroll. Researches, troubleshoots and resolves data and system discrepancies which may require collaboration with stakeholders from CSCU, the Office of the State Comptroller, and other state agencies.
Evaluates the training needs of end-users and develops payroll training for employees throughout the system. Oversees all aspects of payroll-delivered training, including implementation strategy, communication plan, and development of training documents and other resources. May collaborate with stakeholders from across the system on related training initiatives and programs.
Engages in continuous professional development and stays abreast of changes to policies, procedures, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements to ensure timely and compliant payments to employees. Facilitates the professional growth of direct reports by ensuring they have the knowledge, tools and skills to successfully manage business process changes.
Identifies opportunities for improvements within the Payroll unit and works closely with internal and external stakeholders to implement cross-functional solutions.
Performs other related duties which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position.

This posting includes qualifications, experience and skills but is not limited to the full specifications stated in the job description.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Six (6) years of payroll and time and attendance experience, preferably at an educational institution. Two (2) years of direct supervisory experience, preferably in payroll.

Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following:

Familiarity with ERP/HRMS systems and other payroll software, preferably PeopleSoft.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work cooperatively with a broad range of stakeholders at all levels of a complex organization.
Customer-focused and service-oriented disposition.
Advanced knowledge of payroll operations and ability to resolve complex payroll problems.
Ability to prepare and interpret analytical reports using tools such as Microsoft Office suite and other PC-based reporting packages

These qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternate experience.
Candidates must possess proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a college, university or system setting preferred.

Starting Salary:

Minimum Salary; $106,017 approximate annual plus excellent State of CT medical insurance, retirement, and related fringe benefits. The salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications such as education and job-related experience, and internal equity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous leave policies; several retirement plans; and many choices for comprehensive health insurance. You also have access to many additional benefits to save for retirement, protect your family & more with supplemental benefits. Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable.

Application Instructions:

To apply you must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter may be entered as text in the corresponding box, or it can be uploaded as a combined file with the resume.

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the closing date will not be considered and links to other sources to view resumes are not acceptable.

For more information or to apply via our website at www.ct.edu/hr/jobs

Selection Procedure:

Following the closing date, application materials will be evaluated by a selection committee. Candidates selected for further consideration will be limited to those applicants who are best qualified based on the minimum and preferred qualifications and who have submitted all the required documents by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Candidates who have been selected and approved to interview will be contacted, and finalists will be recommended for further consideration by the Hiring Manager for final selection and recommendation for employment. The selection process may also include practical exercises (i.e., teaching demonstration and/or other written, technical, manipulative, or simulation exercises) to evaluate candidates' qualifications.

Background Screening:

All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check, including granting permission to contact current and previous employers for verification. CSCU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination

CSCU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, please contact [email protected].

CSCU IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address*

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Cover Letter*

Please tell us your State of CT Employment Status.*

If you are a current State of CT employee, please enter your 6-digit employee ID number.
Type N/A if you do not know it or have never been a State of CT employee.*

If you answered that you are a current or former State of CT employee, please list the most recent Agency.
Type N/A if not applicable (Never a State of CT employee)*

Are you currently a member of the SUOAF (State University Organization of Administrative Faculty) bargaining unit?*

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, financial management, business administration or a relevant business or public administration concentration?*

If you do not have a Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the above fields, do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field?*

If you answered yes to having a degree in a related field, please indicate which field below. If you answered No or N/A -write N/A in the box below.*

Do you have six (6) years of payroll and time and attendance experience?*

Do you have two (2) years of direct supervisory experience, preferably in payroll?*

Do you have experience with ERP/HRMS systems and other payroll software, preferably PeopleSoft?*

Do you have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work cooperatively with a broad range of stakeholders at all levels of a complex organization?*

Do you have the ability to be customer-focused and have a service-oriented disposition?*

Do you have advanced knowledge of payroll operations and ability to resolve complex payroll problems?*

Do you have the ability to prepare and interpret analytical reports using tools such as Microsoft Office suite and other PC-based reporting packages?*

Do you have experience in a college, university or system setting?*

Where did you see this position Advertised?*

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?*

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? (e.g., H-1B visa status)
Please note that CSCU does not provide sponsorship*

Before submitting your application have you double checked that....

*You have attached a detailed Resume AND complete Cover Letter
*You have answered all questions regarding your qualifications and experience correctly.
*You have verified that your phone number and email address entered above are correct?

Most of our correspondence is electronic and we want to make sure you receive our emails.

You will receive a pop-up confirmation and an email that your application was received and successfully submitted.*

I hereby certify that the information provided on this application and all information provided throughout the pre-employment process is accurate, complete and true. I understand that failure to provide information, which is accurate, complete and true may result in disqualification from further employment consideration.

Please type in your full name in the box below.

If you are having difficulties submitting your application, our suggestion is, if you are able to, use Microsoft Edge Browser, clear your cache and copy and paste this link, https://cscusystemoffice.applytojob.com/apply
which will bring you directly to our career page. **

The following questions are entirely optional.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran

A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
- a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
- a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran status

I IDENTIFY AS ONE OR MORE OF THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROTECTED VETERAN LISTED ABOVE
I AM NOT A PROTECTED VETERAN
I DON’T WISH TO ANSWER

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Please check one of the boxes below:

YES, I HAVE A DISABILITY, OR HAVE HAD ONE IN THE PAST NO, I DO NOT HAVE A DISABILITY AND HAVE NOT HAD ONE IN THE PAST I DO NOT WANT TO ANSWER

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Name	Date

Human Check*

Submit Application

Additional Job Openings