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Job Title: Corporate Payroll Manager

PVN ID: RF-2511-007115

Category: Managerial and Professional

Job Description

General Description

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.

Other Duties

+ 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.

RFCUNY Benefits RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals (https://www.rfcuny.org/rfwebsite/media/0s2ksbgv/rfcuny-benefits-at-a-glance-ft-2025-central-office-employee.pdf)

About the Research Foundation

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1963 to provide post-award fiscal and administrative support for CUNY’s research and sponsored programs. RFCUNY’s services allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries, on projects and programs that serve our local and global communities, proposing concrete solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

RFCUNY serves as a fiscal agent and works closely with all the CUNY campus Grants Offices to perform the core functions of post-award financial management for CUNY research projects and sponsored programs. These functions include legal assessment and signing of agreements where RFCUNY is named as a fiscal agent; setting up award accounts; preparing sub-awards and assisting PIs in monitoring the work of the recipients of sub-awards; supporting project directors with hiring and managing research project and sponsored program staff; supporting the purchasing and paying for goods and services with grant and program funds; managing financial aspects of projects including accounts receivable, financial reporting, invoicing, budget monitoring, and cost compliance with uniform guidance; ensuring that sponsor financial requirements are met; monitoring compliance with applicable project and financial management rules and laws; supporting the management of independent and external audits and financial reviews; and providing data, information, management expertise, and other supports to CUNY’s research and sponsored programs.

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.

Key Features

Department Finance

Status Full Time

Annual Salary Range $101,292.00 - $112,000.00

Closing Date Jan 18, 2026 (Or Until Filled)

Bargaining Unit No

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