University HR Payroll Manager

The City University of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 83,681 - 102,408; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Retirement/pension benefits

Tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The City University of New York is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations and a team of Payroll Coordinators. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient payroll processes for approximately 40,000 employees across various colleges.

The ideal candidate will manage workload, enforce compliance with payroll policies, and maintain communication with regulatory bodies. A Bachelor's degree and six years of related experience are required, with preference for candidates having supervisory experience and knowledge of payroll regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of related experience required.
• At least three years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Excellent analytical and evaluative skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversees payroll data transmission and audit.
• Supervises payroll transactions with State and City.
• Sets performance metrics for staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Customer service

Management

Knowledge of payroll regulations

Organization

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

PeopleSoft

Job description

Position Details

University Payroll (UP) within the University Office of Human Resources (UHR) at The City University of New York (CUNY) is responsible for developing and implementing University Human Resources guidance, standards, rules, and regulations. UHR services approximately 40,000 full-time and part-time employees through the University and operates a shared university service which includes benefits, payroll, workers compensation, advisory services, and programmatic leadership.

University Payroll oversees payroll operations for both Senior and Community Colleges and serves as liaison to campus payroll teams and external entities such as the New York Office of the State Comptroller, NYC Financial Information Services Agency, and Office of Payroll Administration. The Manager will manage a team of Payroll Coordinators, reviewing, distributing, and evaluating workload to ensure optimal efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, prioritizes, and organizes staff workload to ensure timely transmission and audit of pertinent data from payroll teams across the University.
• Supervises the processing of special and unique transactions in partnership with New York State and New York City, including issuing refund checks, requesting replacement paychecks, and correcting duplicate payments.
• Sets and establishes objective and well-defined performance metrics to ensure optimal staff performance.
• Identifies and enhances customer service and client interactions within University Payroll by promptly adapting processes to resolve complaints; ensures staff provides high-quality customer service.
• Supervises the administration of payroll policy and Collective Bargaining Agreements for compliance; reviews and implements Collective Bargaining Agreement and New York State and New York City Payroll Bulletins for accurate processing of payroll.
• Manages and oversees payroll audits to ensure Collective Bargaining Agreement deadlines are met throughout multiple payroll systems.
• Conducts a detailed analysis and audit to implement Collective Bargaining Agreements timely and accurately.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Prepares and distributes payrolls for full-time and part-time employees, including data and reporting management oversight for City and State payroll systems.
• Prepares and maintains budget data versus payroll expense records, reports and schedules.
• Oversees the supervision, preparation, and monitoring of the accuracy of various complex payroll reconciliation reports.
• Supervises and trains staff in planning and operating aspects of the University payroll operations.
• Oversees auditing and certification of all payrolls for employees University-wide.
• Oversees the implementation of payroll modifications mandated by contractual labor agreements and other mandated changes.
• Collaborates with University offices, as well as City, State and Federal agencies; maintains current knowledge of policies and procedures set by said regulatory agencies as they impact payroll.
• Prepares mandated reports as requested by College, University, and government agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Notes

• Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
• This position is excluded from union representation.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree and six years' related experience required.
• Preferred: At least three years of demonstrated supervisory experience leading and managing a payroll team.
• Preferred: Experience providing payroll support in a fast‑paced, large, and complex company or organization.
• Preferred: Solid knowledge of federal, state and city laws and regulations impacting payroll operations.
• Preferred: Knowledge of titles, classification systems, and coding structures in either NYC or NYS payroll systems.
• Preferred: Strong analytical, evaluative, technical, and research skills to work with various information systems to audit payroll and create reports.
• Preferred: Experience creating and running queries in NYS’ OSC PSQuery systems (PeopleSoft) and/or NYC’s CHRMS query system.
• Preferred: Computer proficiency using web‑based HRIS, payroll, financial and administrative systems; MS Office Suite (Access and Word) with advanced Excel knowledge; SharePoint, Dropbox, plus virtual meeting/conferencing and collaboration tools (MS Teams, Zoom).
• Preferred: Detail‑oriented, self‑directed, and motivated with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting with diverse staff of all levels.
• Preferred: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and conflicting priorities and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic and demanding customer‑focused environment.
• Preferred: High degree of professionalism and personal integrity to maintain confidentiality.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range $83,681 - $102,408, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience. CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC‑CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well‑being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.