Corporate Payroll Manager

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY)! We are thrilled that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join our team. 

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Bargaining Unit:

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Reporting to the Associate Controller for Financial Systems, the Corporate Payroll Manager is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all Central Office employees, as well as the oversight and reconciliation of payrolls, tax deposits, related filings, and W-2s for both Central and Field employees.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in payroll administration, compliance, and systems management- particularly with Workday. The Manager will play a key role in implementing, configuring, and maintaining the Workday payroll system, ensuring data integrity, process efficiency, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

The Manager will also fund the Foundation's pension contributions, supervise staff, prepare payroll reports and analytics to support Finance leadership decision-making, and provide back-up support to the Associate Controller during absences.

• Manage end-to-end, bi-weekly payroll processing for Central Office employees on a timely basis Review and verify earnings and deductions.

• Reconciles upload for the bi-weekly payroll including gross to taxable wages.

• Investigate and resolve payroll suspense errors; recommend system improvements as needed.

• Conduct payroll system testing and validation; identify and address configuration issues.

• Provide end-user training and support during Workday implementation and post-implementation phases.

• Assist with taxability changes through Workday self-service for RFCO employees.

• Ensure that all federal, state, and local payroll taxes are correctly withheld, reported, paid, and filed in compliance with laws and regulations.

• Prepare all monthly, quarterly and yearly payroll tax reports (e.g., W2s, W3s, 941s, amendments and state filings).

• Provide reporting, analytics, and insights to leadership to support planning and decision-making.

• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff to build a culture of high performance.

• Assists with audits of pension eligibility and step-up reports from HR.

• Ensure timely pension funding and reporting.

• Monitor tax compliance websites and ensure system updates reflect current law. Collaborate with HR and accounting teams to support audits, 990 reporting, and compliance reviews. Stay updated with Workday payroll software functionality, new releases, and industry best practices.

• Participate in payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, enhancements, and migrations.

• Assist in developing and refining payroll policies and documentation.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

• Minimum five (5) years of computerized payroll experience, preferably with multi-state exposure.

• Experience with Workday Payroll system is strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax compliance, wage and hour laws.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word required.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail.

• Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.

Pay Range:

RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.