Payroll Manager (Toronto)

Job Purpose

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of payroll, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly and semi-monthly payrolls. This role oversees and executes all aspects of payroll operations, including the calculation and disbursement of wages, overtime, commissions, statutory deductions, and payroll tax remittances.

In addition, the Payroll Manager is accountable for payroll-related general ledger reconciliations, union and benefits remittances, labour cost reporting, and the preparation of payroll budgets. Operating as a trusted payroll professional, this role ensures compliance with legislative requirements while upholding the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and Payroll Standards of Practice.

Major Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Delivery

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the payroll function, providing direction, review, and quality control over all payroll processing, approvals, and team deliverables to ensure accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Own the end-to-end preparation, validation, and distribution of payroll for unionized and non-unionized hourly and salaried employees across Ontario.
• Manage full-cycle payroll processing, including wages, overtime, commissions, deductions, and off-cycle payments.
• Ensure accurate processing of statutory deductions (CPP, EI, EHT, WSIB, etc.) and employee benefit contributions.
• Manage payroll-related general ledger reconciliations, including labour costs, union remittances, and benefits.
• Prepare and post payroll-related general ledger entries across multiple legal entities, ensuring accurate inter-entity allocations, intercompany charges, and consistent treatment of labour costs in support of period-end close.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and provincial payroll legislation and collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all required monthly, quarterly, and annual filings, including tax remittances and year-end reporting.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready payroll records and provide support for internal and external audits.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll systems, including Dayforce, and implement new functionalities, enhancements, and reporting tools to optimize processes.
• Identify and drive process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Troubleshoot complex payroll issues and partner with HR and Finance to resolve them promptly.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Take full ownership of the payroll function, providing expert guidance on complex payroll matters and serving as the primary resource for HR, Finance, and Operations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Contribute to cross-functional finance and operational projects as required.

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce and analyze regular and ad hoc payroll reports.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to labour and payroll costs.
• Lead the preparation of annual payroll and labour cost budgets, including consolidation across multiple entities, variance analysis against actuals, and ongoing reforecasting throughout the year.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proven expertise in end-to-end payroll operations across multi-jurisdictional and unionized environments, with in-depth knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with payroll systems such as Dayforce or similar HRIS platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.
• Adaptable and proactive in identifying process improvements, learning new systems, and implementing best practices.
• Ability to thrive in a rapid‑paced environment and consistently meet payroll deadlines.

Minimum Education Required

Post‑secondary education in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Payroll certification (e.g., PCP, PLP or CPM) is required.

Minimum Years of Experience Required

Five-plus (5+) years of progressive payroll experience in a high‑volume, multi‑jurisdictional environment (500+ employees preferred). Experience in the real estate industry is required.

Compensation

• Annual base salary of $105,000 - $110,000
• Discretionary Bonus
• Benefits
• 3 weeks’ vacation
• 6 personal days
• 6 sick days
• Education reimbursement