Payroll Manager

Role overview

We are hiring a seasoned payroll professional to lead payroll operations for a large unionized employee group in Waterloo, Ontario. The role centers on keeping payroll processing accurate, on schedule, and aligned with legal, financial, and organizational standards. You will help improve daily operations, support the growth of the team, and ensure collective agreement changes are reflected consistently in payroll practices.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll cycle, including regular bi-weekly payroll, off-cycle payments, payroll adjustments, and resolution of exceptions, with a strong focus on accuracy.
• Lead Payroll Specialists and Payroll Administrators by setting work priorities, distributing tasks, and clearing operational roadblocks.
• Work with internal stakeholders to roll out payroll changes arising from collective agreements and ensure they are applied uniformly.
• Examine payroll records, grid assignments, garnishment processing, and audit-related items to safeguard data quality and confidentiality.
• Approve payroll outputs such as journal entries, bank files, and general ledger summaries to support correct payments and reporting.
• Oversee year-end payroll duties, including the preparation and issuance of T4 slips and Records of Employment.
• Track payroll inquiries from employees and stakeholders, handle escalated issues, and uphold a high level of service.
• Maintain compliance with federal and provincial payroll rules, union obligations, remittance requirements, internal controls, and audit expectations.
• Coach, train, and assess payroll team members through onboarding, learning plans, performance reviews, and ongoing development, while adjusting team capacity when needed.
• Encourage safe work practices, support incident reporting procedures, and contribute to a positive office environment, with occasional travel as required.

Candidate profile

• You have at least 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including people leadership in a high-volume environment.
• You bring hands-on knowledge of full-cycle payroll, such as bi-weekly processing, reconciliations, year-end tasks, and payroll tax compliance.
• You have managed payroll for more than 1000 employees, ideally in a unionized setting.
• You understand Canadian payroll legislation, source deductions, garnishments, ROE requirements, and T4 reporting.
• You have a track record of supervising, coaching, and developing payroll staff while managing competing deadlines.
• PCP and/or PLP certification is preferred.
• You understand payroll-related benefits administration, internal controls, and audit practices.
• You communicate clearly, solve problems effectively, and collaborate well with HR, labour relations, and other business partners.

Additional information

This posting refers to an active opening with the client. The role is based in Waterloo, Ontario, and requires an onsite presence. Occasional travel may be needed. A strong focus on workplace safety, incident reporting, and a healthy office culture is expected.