Senior Manager Central Control Unit

The Senior Manager, Central Control Unit (CCU), under the direction of the Assistant Director, provides functional and operational management for the Authority’s centralized timekeeping, time and leave administration, payroll reconciliation, and workforce management functions supporting approximately 1,000 represented and non-represented employees.

The position supports payroll and timekeeping controls, compliance, reconciliations, reporting, and exception resolution, automation, and technology initiatives; and provides analytical insights to support operational planning, cost management, and decision-making.

The Senior Manager also manages CCU staff and serves as a key liaison with internal stakeholders on complex payroll, workforce management, compliance, and system-related matters.

The position is accountable for the integrity, accuracy, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of assigned CCU operations and exercises independent judgment in resolving complex operational and compliance issues., Timekeeping, Time & Leave, and Payroll Operations

• Provides functional leadership and oversight of centralized timekeeping, time and leave administration, payroll reconciliation, and workforce management processes supporting approximately 1,000 represented and non-represented employees.
• Ensures accurate and consistent application of collective bargaining agreements, MTA and Authority policies, procedures, and applicable requirements.
• Oversees reconciliation of timekeeping, leave, and payroll data and directs the resolution of complex discrepancies, exceptions, leave overdrafts, and other issues that may impact payroll accuracy or operational efficiency.

Payroll Processing and Internal Controls

• Provides management oversight of biweekly and special payroll processing, including payroll close, reconciliations, pay adjustments, retroactive payments, separation process, lump-sum payments, interagency transfers, off-cycle payments, and other special transactions.
• Ensures appropriate controls, documentation and audit trails are maintained across Kronos, Flogs, PeopleSoft, and related systems and processes.
• Identifies financial, operational, and compliance risks and directs corrective actions to improve payroll accuracy and reduce errors, overpayments, and other exposure.

Reporting, Analytics, and Workforce Management

• Directs the development and analysis of payroll, timekeeping, leave, overtime, staffing, and workforce data to support operational planning, cost management, and decision-making.
• Oversees recurring and ad hoc reporting, dashboards, trend analysis, and forecasts and provides management with actionable recommendations regarding workforce utilization, overtime, leave, staffing, and related costs.
• Uses data and trend analysis to identify operational issues, emerging risks, and opportunities for process improvement.

Systems, Automation, and Process Improvement

• Leads business and operational requirements for technology implementations, upgrades, automation, integrations, and process improvements affecting CCU operations, including the transition from Kronos Workforce Central (WFC) to Workforce Management (WFM) and Flogs modernization.
• Evaluates business requirements, operational impacts, controls, and implementation risks; coordinates testing and implementation with Information Technology, vendors, and business stakeholders.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual processes, improve data integrity, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CCU operations.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Stakeholder Coordination

• Provides oversight of compliance, internal controls, and risk management activities related to timekeeping, payroll, time and leave administration, and workforce management.
• Serves as a key liaison with Payroll, People, Labor Relations, Finance, Business Service Center, Information Technology, Corporate Compliance, Audit, Operations, and other stakeholders on complex and sensitive matters.
• Coordinates responses to audits, reviews, and information requests and ensures identified corrective actions are appropriately addressed.

Staff Leadership and Operational Continuity

• Leads and develops CCU staff, establishes priorities and performance expectations, and ensures appropriate staffing, workload distribution, and operational coverage.
• Builds staff capability through coaching, training, cross-training, and knowledge sharing to promote consistent application of time, leave, payroll, and system requirements.
• Ensures continuity of critical CCU operations during periods of high workload, staffing shortages, system issues, or other operational disruptions.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable.
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable.
• Reviews invoices and approve them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable.
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable.
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in arts/sciences (BA/BS) from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, timekeeping, time and leave administration, workforce management, business/operations analysis, or a related field, including experience with workforce timekeeping systems, payroll/time and labor processes, data analysis, and process improvement.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in managerial or supervisory capacity.

• Working knowledge and experience with Peoplesoft or a similar HRIS system.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with Kronos or a similar timekeeping system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access or comparable data/reporting tools.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze payroll, timekeeping, time and leave, workforce, and operational data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with employees, management, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and basic program/process evaluation techniques.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to identify process improvements and develop practical solutions to operational issues.
• Ability to supervise, coach, develop, and provide directions to staff.
• Working knowledge of applicable collective bargaining agreements, Authority policies, rules, and procedures affecting timekeeping, time and leave, and payroll.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of payroll controls, reconciliation, audit requirements, or compliance processes
• Experience with automation, system enhancements, Power Apps, Power BI, or similar tools

Additional Information: This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

Other Information: Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package: Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy - Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.
• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost - Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans.
• Secure Your Future - Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away - Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.
• Holistic Support Services - Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program - Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.
• Educational Investment - Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs - Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resources.
• Discounts & Perks - Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.
• Connect & Belong - Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels operates the largest bridge and tunnel network in New York City, managing nine crossings that include seven bridges and two tunnels. Serving more than 336 million vehicle crossings each year, this network connects communities across the five boroughs and supports regional mobility. In addition, MTA Bridges and Tunnels oversees the Congestion Relief Zone, working to ensure safe, efficient travel and a more sustainable urban environment. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities., 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.