Payroll Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Payroll Manager based in Canada.As a Payroll Manager, you will take full ownership of payroll operations across the United States and Canada, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. You will oversee semi-monthly payroll cycles while driving the transition toward a more autonomous, in-house US payroll function. Working within a collaborative global finance team, you will manage external payroll providers and partner closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, and technology teams. You will also play a key role in preparing Canadian payroll for future system integration and modernization. This is a hands-on individual contributor position offering significant ownership over payroll controls, process improvements, and automation. Your expertise will help strengthen operational efficiency, compliance, and the employee payroll experience across both countries.Accountabilities
End-to-End Payroll Management: Own and oversee all US and Canadian payroll cycles, managing semi-monthly processing through Workday and external providers. Handle payroll calculations, retroactive adjustments, off-cycle payments, troubleshooting, and final approvals while ensuring accuracy and timeliness.Payroll Review and Reconciliation: Review the work of the Global Payroll Administrator, establish clear preparation and review procedures, conduct pre- and post-payroll audits, and investigate discrepancies to identify and resolve their root causes.US Payroll Tax and Compliance: Maintain accurate federal, state, and local tax withholding, multistate payroll configurations, and reciprocity rules. Oversee quarterly tax filings and year-end reporting, including W-2s and amendments, while reviewing provider deliverables and managing tax agency correspondence.Canadian Payroll Administration: Ensure compliance with federal and provincial payroll requirements, including CPP/QPP, EI/QPIP, and Quebec-specific regulations. Manage Canadian remittances, Records of Employment (ROEs), and year-end reporting, including T4s and RL-1s.External Provider Management: Coordinate and manage the international accounting firm currently processing Canadian payroll, overseeing data submissions, payroll reviews, approvals, issue resolution, and service expectations. Maintain the relationship with the US Workday managed services partner.Payroll Transformation: Lead the transition of US payroll processing from an outsourced managed services model to an in-house function. Develop implementation plans, document procedures, coordinate knowledge transfers, and establish a clear transition timeline while maintaining external support for quarterly and annual services.Canadian Payroll Integration: Prepare Canadian payroll for its planned transition to Deel connected with Workday, expected to begin later in 2027. Coordinate with the International Payroll Manager to ensure consistent processes, reporting standards, and cross-border payroll practices.Process Improvement and Automation: Identify inefficient or manual workflows and lead improvement initiatives from initial assessment through implementation. Leverage advanced Excel, Workday reporting, AI tools, and automation solutions to reduce administrative workload and minimize errors.Financial Controls and Audits: Maintain comprehensive payroll documentation and internal controls, support internal and external audits, and ensure payroll processes meet regulatory and organizational requirements.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Workday teams to manage payroll data integrations, general ledger entries, employee inquiries, acquisitions, and other payroll-related transitions.Requirements
At least 10 years of progressive experience in US payroll management, including independent ownership of complex multistate payroll operations.Extensive hands-on experience processing US payroll through Workday, including retroactive adjustments, off-cycle payments, payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting.Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, withholding requirements, year-end reporting, and tax amendments.Practical experience managing Canadian payroll, including provincial withholding, CPP/QPP, EI/QPIP, Quebec payroll requirements, ROEs, and T4 and RL-1 reporting.Advanced Excel proficiency, including the ability to work with large datasets, perform complex lookups, create pivot tables, and conduct detailed payroll reconciliations.Proven experience identifying and implementing payroll process improvements, with a track record of personally leading projects from planning through successful delivery.Experience managing outsourced payroll providers, including reviewing payroll deliverables, establishing service expectations, monitoring performance, and resolving operational issues.Strong understanding of payroll compliance, internal controls, audit requirements, and confidential employee information.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across international teams and communicate complex payroll matters clearly.Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, independent judgment, and the confidence to identify risks and elevate issues when necessary.Ability to work independently in a global team environment and manage multiple payroll priorities and deadlines.Based in the United States, with availability to work Pacific or Eastern business hours.Additional qualifications that would be an advantage:Experience working with managed payroll services and tax providers, such as ADP or Workday managed services partners.Previous involvement in transitioning payroll operations from an outsourced provider to an internal team.Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, payroll integrations, or HR and payroll system implementations.Familiarity with AI-powered tools and automation solutions, with sound judgment regarding data confidentiality, security, and regulatory compliance.Exposure to multinational payroll operations or experience with Deel.Professional payroll certification, such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), or an equivalent qualification.Benefits
Competitive Salary: Estimated annual base salary ranging from $110,000 to $125,000 USD, depending on experience, skills, business needs, and location.Performance Bonus: Eligibility for a meaningful performance-based bonus or role-specific incentive program.Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive healthcare insurance to support employee well-being.Retirement Benefits: Pension and retirement savings matching programs.Insurance: Comprehensive life insurance coverage.Employee Assistance: Access to an employee assistance program.Paid Time Off: Dedicated time-off plans to support work-life balance.Company Holidays: Paid company holidays throughout the year.Remote Flexibility: Remote working arrangement offering flexibility in how and where work is performed, subject to the role's location and business-hour requirements.Professional Development: Opportunities for career progression, continuous learning, and professional growth.Collaborative Culture: The opportunity to work within an international team that values integrity, respect, accountability, adaptability, and collaboration.Meaningful Impact: The chance to lead important payroll transformation initiatives, improve global processes, and contribute directly to operational excellence.
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