Senior Director Financial Process Analysis and Systems Optimization

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.    

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

The Senior Director, Process Analysis & System Optimization serves as the primary technical and analytical lead to the Deputy Chief, Financial Operations, to whom the position reports. The scope of responsibilities spans all units within the Financial Operations tower, including Timekeeping, Payroll, and Accounts Payable, as well as any future units.

Acting on behalf of and under the direction of the Deputy Chief, Financial Operations, the Senior Director supports the CFO and Deputy Chiefs by providing strategic, technical, and analytical guidance related to process efficiency, financial systems compliance, self-audit activities, and enhanced financial reporting. This role contributes to advancing Financial Operations priorities and supports cross-functional coordination, as appropriate.

The position has primary responsibility for Financial Operations systems, including Accounts Payable, Timekeeping, and Payroll, and their associated subsystems. Working with internal and external subject-matter experts, the Senior Director ensures system integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective performance. Responsibilities include monitoring system performance, supporting timely system updates, and identifying opportunities for process and system improvements. Current systems include PeopleSoft, UKG Pro WFM, Hyperion, UTS, ATS, related subsystems, and future financial operations platforms.

The Senior Director oversees the development and maintenance of management reporting and key performance indicators to support operational oversight and decision-making. The role also reviews timekeeping and payroll processing practices across MTA agencies and maintains regular communication with Agency Financial Directors, including site visits as needed, to identify challenges and support timely resolutions.

Responsibilities:

• Accountable for the integrity, performance, and compliance of Financial Operations systems, including Accounts Payable, Timekeeping, and Payroll. Monitors system performance, supports upgrades and configuration changes, and identifies opportunities to improve functionality and process efficiency.
• Provides strategic, technical, and analytical support on behalf of the Deputy Chief, Financial Operations. Evaluates processes, risks, and new requirements, and develops data-driven recommendations to advance operational efficiency, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Leads the development and maintenance of management reporting, KPIs, and operational analyses. Supports self-audit and internal control activities by enhancing transparency, consistency, and oversight of financial operations.
• Coordinates with Agency Financial Deputy Directors and other stakeholders to address timekeeping, payroll, and accounts payable issues. Supports consistent application of systems, policies, and procedures and assists in resolving operational and reporting challenges.
• 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 approves them if the work meets contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Required Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have knowledge of and interacted with the primary MTA Financial systems – PeopleSoft, Kronos/UKG Pro WFM, Hyperion, JetDocs.
• Must have knowledge of data management and analysis of large volumes of data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.  External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, the New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for their areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences(BA/BS) Business, Management, Information Systems, Data Science, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of related experience.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS)Business, Management, Information Systems, Data Science, or related field
• Minimum 4 years as a unit head in a multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or Govt entity
• Minimum 5 years in data analytics and financial systems
• Familiarity with MTA Financial systems
• Familiarity with MTA Timekeeping and Payroll policies.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s overall policies and procedures
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining rules and practices.

Other Information

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial

Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.