Assistant Director Central Control Unit (Timekeeping/ Payroll)

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is seeking an Assistant Director, Central Control Unit (Timekeeping/Payroll) to lead the administration of agency-wide timekeeping and payroll for represented and non-represented employees. You will oversee staff, implement policies, and coordinate with Labor Relations, the BSC, and external partners.

The role requires extensive payroll and timekeeping expertise, strong process improvement skills, and the ability to manage complex internal controls within a large

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of payroll, timekeeping, workforce management, or related admin experience.
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff.
• Experience with CBAs, payroll regulations, and unionized environments.
• Experience administering complex payroll operations in large organizations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weekly/bi-weekly payroll and timekeeping for ~1,000 employees; ensure compliance with CBAs and policies.
• Manage leave, accruals, retroactive payments, and related payroll activities with accuracy.
• Oversee onboarding, transfers, separations, and related payroll transactions; ensure compliance.
• Conduct payroll audits; manage corrections, overpayments, and communications.
• Lead CCU operations, reinforce internal controls, liaise with Compliance and Auditing, and manage system testing.

Skills

Payroll administration

Timekeeping

Supervisory leadership

Staff development

Education

BA/BS in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Industrial Relations

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Kronos Workforce Management (WFM)

PeopleSoft

FLOGS

Roll Call

Job description

Assistant Director Central Control Unit (Timekeeping/ Payroll) Job ID: 16920 Business Unit: Bridges and Tunnels Location: New York, NY, United States Regular/Temporary: Regular Department: OPS/CCU

Description

Job Title: Assistant Director, Central Control Unit (Timekeeping/ Payroll)

Department: Chief Of Staff/ Chief Administrative Officer

Work Location: Randall’s Island

Job Family/Grade: Finance/ 007

Earnings Potential: $117,122 - $146,403

MTA Bridges and Tunnels reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels operates the largest bridge and tunnel network in New York City, managing nine crossings that include seven bridges and two tunnels. Serving more than 336 million vehicle crossings each year, this network connects communities across the five boroughs and supports regional mobility. In addition, MTA Bridges and Tunnels oversees the Congestion Relief Zone, working to ensure safe, efficient travel and a more sustainable urban environment. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Telework

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Central Control Unit (CCU), under the general direction of the Senior Director, exercises broad independent judgment and decision-making authority in overseeing the administration and operations of the Central Control Unit. This position is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely execution of agency-wide timekeeping, payroll administration, leave and accrual management, retirement and separation processing, payroll compliance, and related operational activities for represented and non-represented employees. The Assistant Director provides leadership and oversight to Managers and CCU Analysts, directing daily operations, establishing policies and procedures, implementing operational improvements, developing staff, and ensuring compliance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements, agency policies, payroll regulations, and internal controls. This position assists in leading complex operational analyses, evaluates the budgetary impact of payroll and timekeeping activities, and manages special projects involving internal and external stakeholders, including Labor Relations, the MTA Business Service Center (BSC), MTA Headquarters, labor unions, Corporate Compliance, the Inspector General's Office, and other MTA agencies. The incumbent also could serve as the agency's liaison on payroll, timekeeping, and leave administration matters with internal and external partners. The Assistant Director supports strategic oversight of workforce management systems, including Kronos Workforce Management (WFM), ensuring successful implementation, system integrity, testing, policy alignment, and continuous process improvements. In the absence of the Senior Director, the Assistant Director assumes full leadership responsibilities for the Central Control Unit.

Responsibilities

• Manage the timely and accurate administration of TBTA's weekly and bi-weekly payroll, timekeeping, labor distribution, and project hour reporting for approximately 1,000 represented and non-represented employees. Ensure compliance with agency policies, payroll regulations, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Manage the administration of employee leave and accrual programs, including leave entitlements, retroactive payments, OCCRS (off cycle check request) transactions, pay adjustments, lump-sum payouts, and related payroll activities while ensuring accuracy and policy compliance.
• Oversee employee onboarding, transfers, separations, and related payroll transactions, including DP2001 processing, intercompany transfers, final payments, and special payroll activities. Ensure compliance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements, agency policies, and payroll procedures.
• Perform payroll audit activities to identify underpayments, overpayments, and processing discrepancies. Oversee corrective actions including supplemental payments, overpayment recovery, deduction processing, stop payments, payment reversals, and related employee communications.
• Ensure appropriate files are verified and an audit trail is maintained for each payroll close (i.e., Flogs vs Kronos and PeopleSoft files). Ensure that internal controls are followed and serve as the liaison with Corporate Compliance and Auditing. Provides oversight regarding the testing of internal controls, i.e., Vulnerability Assessment. Understanding and implementing Collective Bargaining Agreements for unionized employees and Corporate Policy and Procedures as they impact payments to employees.
• Support the successful implementation of the KRONOS Workforce Management (WFM) platform by participating in system testing, validation, and process reviews. Ensure timekeeping functions, accrual calculations, pay rules, and reporting features operate accurately and align with agency policies and applicable labor agreements. Maintain and monitor the Open Project Issue Log, collaborate with consultants to resolve identified issues, and verify corrections prior to system go-live.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline of employees when necessary. Review the performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential. Maintain accurate and confidential records and related documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observe the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Review invoices and approve them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Address performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable
• Escalate issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts/sciences (BA/BS) Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, timekeeping, workforce management, human resources operations, or a related administrative function.
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff.
• Experience administering complex payroll and timekeeping operations within a large, unionized organization.
• Experience interpreting and applying Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), agency policies, and payroll regulations.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, FLOGS, or other enterprise payroll and human resources information systems.
• Knowledge of New York State and federal payroll laws and regulations.
• Experience managing payroll audits, leave administration, employee transfers, pay adjustments, overpayment recovery, and separation processing.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with labor unions, executive leadership, auditors, consultants, and external agencies.
• Ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop professional staff while fostering an inclusive and high-performing work environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in arts/sciences (MA/MS) in a related field is preferred.
• Experience with Kronos Workforce Management (UKG) implementation, configuration, testing, or administration.
• Detailed working knowledge of the MTA Business Service Center (BSC), FLOGS, Roll Call, Kronos Workforce Management (WFM), PeopleSoft, CON Unit (CONU) policies and procedures, facility policies and procedures, and Rules and Notices Memoranda (RNMs).

Additional Information

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

Other Information

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).