Assistant Director of the Payroll Examination, Bureau of Controller

City of New York • New York, NY

9h • $65,091 - $100,000

About The Position

The Bureau of Controller within the Division of Finance seeks an accountant to serve as Assistant Director of the Payroll Examination/Payroll Accounting Unit. Under the direction of the Director of Payroll, this role oversees the unit’s daily operations to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll transactions for agency employees. The selected candidate supervises staff who analyze payroll reports, research discrepancies, process supplemental payments, and ensure compliance with City payroll policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable regulations.

The position also oversees payroll reviews, adjustments, certifications, specialized transactions, and resolution of complex payroll issues. It coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, develops procedures and staff guidance, monitors performance, and identifies process improvements to strengthen controls and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Open to candidates who are permanent in the civil service title of Accountant Level or the comparable title of Management Auditor.
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in accounting, including one course each in advanced accounting and auditing; or a valid New York State Certified Public Accountant license.
• For eligibility for Assignment Level II, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements, at least one year of experience as an Accountant - Assignment Level I or at least two years of satisfactory full-time professional accounting or auditing experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the daily activities of the Payroll Examination Unit, ensuring timely completion of payroll transactions and adherence to deadlines.
• Oversee review and analysis of payroll reports generated through the Payroll Management System (PMS) and Payroll Information System (Pi), including PTAPD160, PTAPW161, and the Bi-Weekly Payroll Detail (700) Report.
• Ensure accurate processing of retroactive salary adjustments, additions to gross pay, threshold overtime, maturations, leave without pay transactions, overpayment recoveries, and supplemental payrolls.
• Review and approve one-time payments, including unused leave balances, legal settlements, and other special payroll transactions.
• Monitor payroll activities for compliance with Office of Payroll Administration (OPA), Office of Labor Relations (OLR), NYC Comptroller, and collective bargaining requirements.
• Supervise the preparation and reconciliation of bi-weekly payroll summaries and supporting documentation required for payroll certification.
• Oversee W-2 corrections, tax-related inquiries, payroll deductions, EFT reversals, and other specialized payroll transactions.
• Research and resolve complex payroll issues received through service tickets, emails, telephone inquiries, Human Resources, management, and external agencies.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, Timekeeping, Compliance, Payroll Accounting, OPA, and other internal and external stakeholders to resolve payroll issues.
• Review work products for accuracy, identify trends and systemic issues, and implement process improvements to strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency.
• Develop unit procedures, provide staff training and guidance, monitor performance, and ensure compliance with agency policies and payroll regulations.
• Prepare management reports, analyze payroll data, and recommend operational improvements to enhance service delivery.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for federal or state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Premium-free health insurance plan.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union or benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Worksite Wellness Program.
• Depending on the position, the opportunity to work from home up to two days during the week.
• Job security compared to private sector employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager