Payroll Manager

AMA - Alberta Motor Association • Edmonton, AB

18d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Manager will lead the organization's payroll function, ensuring that approximately 2,000 team members across multiple business entities are paid accurately and on time. This role reports to the Director, HR Technology & Total Rewards and is central to AMA's Human Resources function, collaborating with Finance, HR Technology, and senior leadership to maintain compliance, drive continuous improvement, and deliver a seamless employee experience. The role requires advanced knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, employment standards, income tax regulations, and statutory remittances, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, accountability, and customer service. The ideal candidate will be a critical thinker with proven problem-solving skills, adept at managing competing priorities and embracing process redesign, automation, and technology solutions.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, employment standards, income tax regulations and statutory remittances.
• Sharp eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy.
• Strong leadership skills, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communicating clearly and effectively with diverse audiences.
• Critical thinking with proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Structured approach to managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Champion continuous improvement, embracing change with positivity and bringing process redesign, automation and technology solutions.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to self-manage top priorities and deliver results consistently.
• Diploma or degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification required.
• Progressive payroll experience, including demonstrated leadership responsibility within a complex organizational environment.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems, reporting tools and process improvement initiatives.
• Thorough knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, employment standards, income tax regulations, statutory remittances, pension legislation and payroll compliance requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll processing practices, procedures, controls and auditing principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Expertise in critical decision-making, project management and process improvement.
• High level of discretion and commitment to confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll and employee data.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation is preferred.
• Experience with Workday HRIS would be an asset.
• Experience with AI‑powered tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar platforms is a real plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end payroll process for a Canadian workforce of approximately 2,000 employees across multiple business entities, ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages, salaries, bonuses, allowances and other compensation elements.
• Establish and maintain payroll schedules, controls and service standards that support compliance with federal, provincial and local payroll legislation, employment standards, tax regulations, pension requirements and statutory reporting obligations.
• Monitor legislative changes and implement required payroll process updates to keep AMA ahead of compliance obligations.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching and professional development to payroll staff, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability and exceptional service.
• Lead payroll reconciliations, year-end activities, internal and external audits, and financial reporting requirements.
• Partner with the HRIS team and internal stakeholders to maintain payroll-related integrations, workflows and data integrity, and support system configuration, testing, upgrades and enhancements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex payroll inquiries from employees, leadership, auditors, regulatory agencies and external vendors, ensuring a high level of service and responsiveness.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and efficiency through process redesign, automation and technology enhancements.
• Ensure the accuracy, security, confidentiality and integrity of payroll data and employee records at all times.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible benefits, with five packages to choose from
• Up to $3,000 in health and wellness spending accounts
• Employer-paid retirement savings program, including 5% AMA contribution and 5% matching
• Employee-exclusive discounts on travel, insurance, memberships, driver education, registry services, and more
• Free travel medical insurance for you and your immediate family
• Ongoing professional development
• Unlimited learning opportunities
• LinkedIn Learning Access
• Dedicated time for personal growth
• Paid vacation and personal days
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• A Me Day
• A Volunteer Day
• Option to purchase additional vacation time
• Flexible work models
• Four-day work week option

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree