Director of Payroll - New York, NY

Urban Resource Institute; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry leader is looking for a Payroll Director to oversee payroll operations and ensure compliance with regulations. This role involves managing payroll processes, developing strategies for system improvements, and leading a high-performing payroll team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in payroll supervision and a strong understanding of accounting principles. Join a dynamic organization committed to diversity and inclusion, and help make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll supervision experience required.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance.
• Ability to manage complex payroll functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all payroll operations and ensure compliance with tax laws.
• Manage payroll processes, including approvals and audits.
• Supervise the payroll team and coordinate with other departments.

Skills

Payroll Management

Accounting Principles

Communication Skills

Mathematical Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Ultipro

Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is committed to a world free of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma, where individuals, families, and communities are safe, stable, and thriving. URI works across prevention, intervention, and services to empower communities, especially communities of color and disenfranchised populations, to increase safety and resiliency. It is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence shelter and services in New York State, with over 40 years of impact, and is now the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the country. URI’s expansion allows it to serve individuals facing barriers to access, such as singles and families with pets.

Today, URI is expanding as an innovative service provider, a leader, and an employer of choice, with an annual budget of nearly $100 million, over 700 employees, and services for more than 40,000 individuals annually across 20+ locations in NYC. It is recognized as a thought leader nationally and beyond.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Payroll Director oversees all payroll operations, including employee payments, payroll changes, and management reports. The role involves developing strategies for payroll system improvements.

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manage all payroll processes, including approving transactions and reviewing exemptions.
2. Conduct bi-weekly reviews of payroll punch reports and input transactions for accuracy.
3. Oversee payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, and salary adjustments.
4. Assess payroll registers and journal entries for discrepancies before final processing.
5. Audit payroll transactions for accuracy regarding accounts, payment dates, and taxes.
6. Maintain payroll systems and report issues to management.
7. Ensure compliance with tax laws and internal policies.
8. Respond professionally to employee payroll inquiries promptly.
9. Handle payroll data submissions for city, state, and federal reporting.
10. Complete payroll and benefit journal entries and record them in the general ledger within 48 hours, with management approval.
11. Provide payroll reports to revenue management as per grants and internal requirements.
12. Monitor garnishments, unemployment insurance, and benefits.
13. Reconcile quarterly 941s to the General Ledger.
14. Foster a high-performing payroll team aligned with URI’s mission and values.
15. Coordinate with People & Culture to ensure accurate deductions and timely payments.
16. Serve as payroll expert, resolving issues swiftly with a focus on customer service.
17. Support payroll system maintenance and troubleshooting (Ultipro).
18. Prepare payroll tax reconciliations, including W-2 processing.
19. Generate reports, memoranda, and correspondence related to payroll.
20. Assist in policy evaluation and development for payroll administration.
21. Identify opportunities to enhance payroll efficiency and system capabilities.
22. Participate in internal audits and facilitate compliance.
23. Support auditors by providing required payroll documentation.
24. Advise management on payroll policies and legal compliance.
25. Supervise the payroll team, assign work, and monitor progress.
26. Represent the payroll department in meetings and committees.
27. Ensure optimal resource deployment to meet organizational goals.
28. Balance team workload and provide ongoing feedback for improvement.
29. Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications:

• Masters’ degree preferred; Bachelors’ in Accounting or related field required.
• At least 5 years of payroll supervision experience.
• Minimum 7 years in payroll and accounting, including general ledger reconciliation and income tax.
• Knowledge of taxable and non-taxable expenses.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Professionalism and tact in communication at all levels.
• Strong mathematical and organizational skills.
• Deep understanding of city, state, and federal payroll regulations.
• Ability to perform complex payroll functions and resolve related issues.
• Discretion handling confidential information.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

URI is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. We offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories under law.