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Director of Payroll and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
Administrative/Professional --> Human Resources
St. John’s, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.
A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.
Department: Human Resources
Specific Job Title: Director of Payroll and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
Reports to: Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Campus: Queens
Job Summary:
The Director of Payroll and HRIS is responsible for overseeing payroll operations and HRIS administration at St. John’s University. This role ensures compliance, operational efficiency, data integrity, and the successful integration of HRIS and payroll functions to meet organizational goals while managing the complexities of a diverse employee population that includes faculty, staff, administrators, and student workers. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, the Director of Payroll and HRIS works closely with other HR teams (Benefits, Compensation, HR Services, Recruitment) and University departments (Business Affairs, Information Technology) to enhance workforce management, reporting capabilities, and employee experience.
Essential Functions:
Payroll Management:
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Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payment to all employees.
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Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
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Manage payroll audits and resolve discrepancies effectively, particularly with varying pay structures such as stipends, contract-based faculty salaries, and hourly employees.
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Implement and maintain internal controls to ensure the accuracy of payroll transactions and alignment with University policies.
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Coordinate payroll activities across multiple funding sources, ensuring proper allocation and reporting.
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Oversee payroll tax compliance, including federal and state tax withholdings.
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Partner with HR and Business Affairs to streamline payroll processes, improving efficiency and service delivery for all employee groups.
HRIS Management:
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Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of the University’s HRIS.
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Ensure system accuracy, data security, and compliance with HR policies and legal requirements.
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Manage position control and employee records within the HRIS, ensuring accurate tracking of job classifications and funding sources.
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Collaborate with HR leadership, Business Affairs, and Information Technology to optimize system functionality and user experience, supporting academic and administrative units effectively.
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Manage system upgrades, enhancements, and training for end-users, ensuring ease of use for employees.
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Develop and implement automated workflows for payroll and HR processes, reducing manual intervention and improving data integrity.
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Ensure seamless integration between HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, timekeeping, and financial systems.
Leadership:
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Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve payroll and HRIS processes.
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Analyze workforce data and provide insights to support institutional decision-making, including workforce planning.
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Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll and HRIS functions, implementing necessary policy updates.
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Partner with HR leadership to align HRIS and payroll strategies with broader HR and institutional objectives.
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Manage and mentor the payroll and HRIS team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Competencies:
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Experience managing payroll processes in higher education.
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Comprehensive and advanced knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.
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Effective leadership and team management abilities.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
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Strategic thinking and a solutions-oriented mindset.
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Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Proficiency in HRIS platforms, preferably Banner.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position manages employees on the Payroll/HRIS team and is responsible for the hiring and performance management of the employees within that team.
Work Environment:
This position operates in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment such as a computer and printer.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This role may be eligible for hybrid/remote work 1-2 days per week after a 3-month orientation period.
Required Education and Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred, especially in a higher education-related discipline; and
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Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in payroll and HRIS management, preferably in a higher education setting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role; or
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Equivalent combination of education and experience.
In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual range for this position is $150,000 - $160,000. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time.
St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.
Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.
St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is located at 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY. View the Google Map in full screen.