Manager, Payroll - Operations Lead

CarePartners•Waterloo, ON

6d•CA$85,000 - CA$95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Manager - Operations Lead is responsible for the oversight of day-to-day payroll operations, providing leadership to the payroll team and ensuring accurate and timely end-to-end payroll processing. This role supports a large, unionized workforce and is accountable for ensuring payroll delivery aligns with legislative and organizational standards. This role focuses on team supervision, operational efficiency, and ensuring the integrity of the payroll cycle while fostering a high-performance culture through staff development and support. The role also leads the implementation of collective agreement changes as they relate to payroll, ensuring consistent interpretation and operational integration. This is a Full-time position based out of our Waterloo Corporate office.

Requirements

Canadian Payroll Leadership Professional designation (or in progress).
Successful completion of a business administrative or accounting diploma or related discipline from a recognized community college/university.
Minimum 5-7 years related work experience in large (4,000+ employees) payroll environment (unionized preferred).
Strong working knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, ESA, CRA regulations, WSIB, and statutory deductions.
Demonstrated experience leading payroll operations and managing bi-weekly payroll cycles, including off-cycle adjustments.
Proficiency in payroll software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven ability to manage and mentor a payroll team, including performance management and training.
Experience preparing year-end filings and payroll documentation such as T4s, ROEs, and remittance schedules.
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying collective agreement provisions in a payroll environment.
Solid comprehension and understanding of payroll legislation, CRA guidelines, WSIB, Employment standards and collective agreements for payroll purposes.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with employees, unions, and cross-functional teams.
High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing payroll transactions and reports.
Commitment to providing high-quality customer service and resolving payroll-related inquiries effectively.
Ability to identify and implement process improvements for increased payroll efficiency and compliance.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the full-cycle payroll process including bi-weekly processing, off-cycle adjustments, and exception handling, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in transactions and processing.
Lead the implementation of payroll related provisions of collective agreements.
Supervise and support a team of Payroll Specialists and Payroll Administrators, including assigning tasks, providing guidance, and addressing and resolving all payroll related issues in a timely, effective manner.
Oversee grid placement reviews, garnishment approvals, and payroll audit processes.
Review and maintain employee records within the payroll system, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
Oversee the preparation and timely distribution of T4s and Records of Employment (ROEs).
Approve payroll journal entries, bank files, and GL summary reports to ensure financial accuracy and timely disbursements.
Monitor payroll-related inquiries and escalate complex issues as necessary, maintaining a high level of customer service.
Ensure timely and accurate remittance of source deductions and garnishments.
Ensure internal controls are adhered to and that audit requirements are met.
Monitor compliance with federal and provincial legislation, union agreements, and organizational policies.
Provide training, mentorship, and coaching to payroll staff and create development plans aligned with organizational goals.
Monitor team capacity and adjust staffing plans as needed.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new payroll staff.
Provide ongoing coaching and support to team members.
Complete probationary and annual performance reviews.
Address performance issues promptly in collaboration with HR or senior leaders.
Lead the team in delivering accurate, timely, and customer-focused payroll services.
Collaborate with HR and LR to operationalize collective agreement updates.
Directly supervises Payroll Administrators and Specialists.
Provides day-to-day guidance and operational oversight for the payroll team.
Acts as the first point of escalation for team-related issues or concerns.
In collaboration with CarePartners Occupational Health and Safety team, promote a safe and healthy work environment in all day-to-day activities.
Ensures that members of the management team conduct appropriate and timely reporting, follow-up and management of all workplace incidents.
Promote and support CarePartners Early and Safe Return to Work Program through the identification of safe, suitable and productive activities.
In consultation with the Corporate OH&S department, implements preventative Health and Safety programs at the operational level.
Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, legislation and best practices, including but not limited to; Ensure workers work in compliance with the OHSA and its regulations; Ensure workers use any equipment, protective devices or clothing the employer requires; Inform workers about any workplace health and safety hazards that the supervisor is aware of; Povide workers with written instructions on measures and procedures to be followed for their own protection, if prescribed by regulation; and Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers.