Assistant Director of the Payroll Examination, Bureau of Controller

Open to candidates who are permanent or those who have successfully filed for the most recent open-competitive (Exam No. 4000) and promotional exam (Exam No. 6000) The Bureau of Controller within the Division of Finance requests to hire an accountant to perform duties as Assistant Director of the Payroll Examination. Under the direction of the Director of Payroll, the Assistant Director of the Payroll Examination/Payroll Accounting Unit will oversee the daily operations of the unit to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll transactions for agency employees. The selected candidate will supervise staff responsible for analyzing payroll reports, researching payroll discrepancies, processing supplemental payments, and ensuring compliance with City payroll policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable regulations. ACCOUNTANT - 40510

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

• Supervise and direct the daily activities of the Payroll Examination Unit, ensuring timely completion of payroll transactions and adherence to established deadlines.
• Oversee the 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 the 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 to ensure 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 the processing of 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 training and guidance to staff, 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.

Why you should work for us

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (
• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
  • a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
  • additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
  • a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
  • a tax-deferred savings program and
  • a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Commitment to Equity:

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in accounting, including one course each in advanced accounting and auditing; or 2. A valid New York State Certified Public Accountant license. To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II individuals must have, 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.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.