Director of Payroll

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

Director of Payroll – Responsibilities

• Direct and provide leadership for payroll operations and administration, ensuring that the department supports the Museum’s mission and maintains confidentiality.
• Lead, mentor, and train the payroll team.
• Develop, update, and recommend payroll‑related policies and procedures. Ensure payroll processes are performed on time, with precision, and in adherence with Museum policy, government regulations (FLSA, IRS, state and local tax laws, wage‑hour laws, etc.), and union collective bargaining agreements. Collaborate with other departments to ensure payroll processes align with organizational goals.
• Leverage payroll expertise to handle payroll‑related inquiries and escalations.
• Ensure that payroll information is accurate, well‑documented, and ready for review.
• Prepare financial information for external and internal audits.
• Manage reporting functions to provide accurate and timely financial information.
• Work with Finance to calculate and record all accruals related to payroll.
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.
• Implement and ensure consistency in controls and balancing processes to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of the payroll function.
• Analyze current procedures to streamline payroll and time‑keeping operations. Create quality assurance procedures and ensure they are followed.
• Lead payroll‑related system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and process improvements.
• Manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ten years progressive payroll experience, including leadership at a managerial or Director level.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong systems experience with major payroll platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre‑employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Documents Needed To Apply

• Resume
• Cover Letter

American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
New York, NY
Phone:

AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

The expected salary range for the Director of Payroll is $160,000 to $175,000 per year. Pay will be determined based on several factors including skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.