Payroll Manager

Salary: CAD125000 - CAD136000 per annum
Payroll Manager (Montreal, QC)Position Title: Payroll ManagerPosition SummaryThe Payroll Manager is responsible for the leadership, administration, accuracy, and compliance of all payroll operations across Canada. This role oversees the day-to-day payroll function while playing a critical role in business acquisitions, payroll integrations, system implementations, process improvements, and compliance initiatives.
The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for a growing and evolving organization while partnering closely with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and external vendors. This position requires strong payroll expertise, project management capabilities, and experience integrating newly acquired businesses into existing payroll and HR processes.
Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations
Lead the end-to-end payroll process for all Canadian employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Manage bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and special payroll cycles as required.
Oversee payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, bonuses, commissions, and other employee transactions.
Review payroll reconciliations, remittances, year-end activities, and payroll reporting.
Ensure compliance with federal and provincial legislation
Manage payroll audits and support internal and external audit requirements.
Maintain payroll records and ensure confidentiality of employee information.
Acquisition and Integration Management
Assess payroll risks, practices, policies, and systems of acquired organizations.
Develop and execute payroll integration plans aligned with acquisition timelines.
Coordinate employee data migration, payroll system conversions, and process standardization.
Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and business leaders to ensure seamless integration of acquired employees into payroll and benefit programs.
Identify and resolve payroll-related integration challenges while ensuring a positive employee experience.
Compliance and Governance
Maintain compliance with CRA, Revenu Québec, employment standards, pension, and statutory requirements.
Monitor legislative changes and implement required payroll process updates.
Ensure accurate remittance of taxes, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and retirement contributions.
Develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Systems and Continuous Improvement
Act as the payroll subject matter expert for payroll systems and related technologies.
Lead payroll system enhancements, upgrades, testing, and implementations.
Identify opportunities for automation and process efficiency.
Develop payroll metrics, dashboards, and management reporting.
Support HRIS and payroll system integrations related to organizational growth and acquisitions.
Leadership
Manage and develop payroll team members.
Establish service level expectations and drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
QualificationsEducation
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation considered an asset.
Experience
7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibilities.
Experience managing Canadian payroll in a multi-province environment and unionized enviroments
Demonstrated experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and payroll integrations.
Experience with HRIS and payroll systems implementations and data conversions.
Experience working in a large, complex, and fast-paced organization.
Technical Knowledge
Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation.
Experience with payroll systems such as Dayforce
Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities.
Knowledge of HRIS integrations and data management best practices.
Strategic thinking and business acumen
Project and change management
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Stakeholder management and influencing skills
Excellent communication skills in English and French
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Success Measures
Payroll accuracy levels exceeding established targets
On-time payroll processing and remittances
Successful integration of acquired businesses within established timelines
Strong audit and compliance results
Improved payroll efficiency and standardization
Positive employee and stakeholder experience
Reporting RelationshipReports to: Vice President, Human ResourcesDirect Reports: 3 Payroll Administrators#J-18808-Ljbffr