Deputy Director, Timekeeping / Payroll - LIRR

Deputy Director, Timekeeping / Payroll - LIRR

Job ID : 10814

Business Unit : MTA Headquarters

Location : Jamaica, NY, United States

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Department : Timekeeping

Date Posted : Oct 28, 2025

Description

POSTING NO.

10814

JOB TITLE :

Deputy Director, Timekeeping / Payroll - LIRR

DEPT / DIV : Financial Operations

WORK LOCATION :

146-01 Archer Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435

FULL / PART-TIME

FULL

SALARY RANGE : $133,519 - $166,899

DEADLINE : Until Filled

Please note that this position is only open to MTA employees.

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

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective :

This position will be responsible for managing the LIRR Payroll Unit managers and professional / clerical staff who process time & pay; accrual adjustments, reviews and perform timekeeping / payroll reviews, audits, and closings; responding to employee inquiries (including department time administrator, Labor relations reps, union reps etc); performing various pay reconciliations and various pay calculations including but not limited to termination Lump payouts, personal expense reimbursements, 1 / 52nd rates, promotional retros, mileage reporting, and various labor stipulations (scope violation, and additional labor agreements) ; acting as a final approver on various payments. The incumbent will be responsible for handling and addressing recommendations resulting from external audits by the IRS, MTA Audit Services, Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), external auditors, MTA Inspector General and etc. The Deputy Director will also work closely with IT to maintain and update the Kronos timekeeping system as required.

Responsibilities :

Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline / termination 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.

Responsible for the management of staff involved in the weekly processing of time and leave for all LIRR-paid employees. Including the receipt, review, and processing of time documents and electronic files from payroll sub-systems to calculate net wages and Kronos payroll reviews / adjustments / submissions and back up payroll closing processes.

Manage the terminated lump payout process, promotional retro calculation, annual vacation / sick / personal day payouts, various contractual allowance payouts, and additional ad hoc labor agreements. Maintain and report on accrual / leave balances. Manage and review various back–pays, vacation / personal days, and retiree sick bank / vacation payments. Responsible for effective and timely decisions on accounting issues and problems as they relate to GAAP requirements.

Manage and review / audit of weekly payrolls processes and their controls regarding payments, exception reports, and issues resolutions, for LIRR employees. Reconciliation and recoupment of OJI (On the Job Injury) / Workers’ Compensation payments.

Oversee the monthly review of account analysis for accuracy, timely resolution, and identification of recurring issues requiring changes to the process, information, training, etc. As well as maintain internal control reviews and testing. Track, monitor, and audit all payroll adjustments.

Responsible for Kronos and all timekeeping-related system modifications, upgrades, and all testing and implementations. Responsible for updating and communicating with all LIRR Department Timekeeping groups on Kronos / all timekeeping-related system-related processing and system changes.

Responsible for time and pay transmission to PeopleSoft maintaining security / maintenance between Kronos and PeopleSoft.

Ensure that union contractual agreement requirements are applied in a manner that is congruent with agency timekeeping rules and procedures. Specifically, overtime and other payroll payments (e.g. hi-rate, penalty pay, attrition, etc.) are applied consistently and in accordance with labor provisions and established work rules. Oversee the functionality and processes associated with Kronos time and attendance system.

Perform research and direct staff on the resolution of complex timekeeping / pay issues involving CBAs, additional labor agreements, stips, and applicable policies to process accordingly and accurately.

Responsible for handling and addressing recommendations resulting from external audits by the IRS, RRB, MTA Audit Services, external auditors, MTA Inspector General and etc.

Required Qualifications :

Required Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

Must have advance knowledge of Agency timekeeping policies, procedures and systems (Kronos, Peoplesoft, Data warehouse and TEAMS) in order to manage staff involved in the processing and validating all time process and additional pay requests.

Must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of union contractual agreements and their impact on policy.

Must have knowledge of PS, Kronos, TEAMS & Data Warehouse.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Excellent organizational and presentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.

Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.

External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, RRB elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.

Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and / or external stakeholders.

Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.

Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.

Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.

Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience :

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Transportation, Public Policy, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in place of a degree.

Minimum 8 years related experience, including at least 4 years in a managerial and / or leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.

The Following is / are preferred :

Master’s degree in a related field.

Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.

Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.

OTHER INFORMATION :

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”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.