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.

• 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.

• 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…