Payroll Manager

Company: CSCU System Office
Location: Hartford
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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 CSCU-SO-Compliance@ct.edu. CSCU IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F Powered by JazzHR PplUQhOJgU

Keywords: CSCU System Office, Hackensack , Payroll Manager, Human Resources , Hartford, New Jersey