Manager of Payroll in Markham

Our team is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Manager (US & Canada) to oversee all aspects of payroll administration. The ideal candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with labour laws and tax regulations, and effective management of payroll systems and processes. The Payroll Manager will work closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to support organizational goals and ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. The Payroll Manager will report to the Vice President of Human Resources and will lead a team of payroll professionals, oversee payroll-related accounting activities, and play a key role in payroll integration for acquisitions. This position offers a hybrid work environment and requires a hands-on leader with strong technical expertise in North American payroll and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Operations: Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for 3,000+ employees across Canada and the U.S. Ensure compliance with federal, provincial/state, and local payroll legislation. Manage payroll calendars, audits, and year-end processes (T4s, W-2s, etc.). Partner with Finance on audits, reporting, and accruals.
• Acquisitions & Integration: Lead payroll integration for acquisitions, assess risks, align systems, and ensure seamless onboarding of new employees.
• Compliance & Controls: Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness; ensure adherence to internal compliance standards.
• Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5 payroll staff; allocate workload, improve processes, and ensure cross-training.
• Process Improvement: Identify automation and efficiency opportunities; improve payroll systems, workflows, and reporting.

Key Competencies:

• Has strong attention to detail, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Possesses effective written and oral communication skills.
• Accustomed to managing sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Proven ability to multitask and effectively manage competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities.

Required Experience:

• 8–10+ years of payroll experience, including leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of Canadian and U.S. payroll legislation.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting (journal entries, reconciliations).
• Experience with ADP and/or Workday an asset.
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP.
• Experience leading and developing teams.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Certifications (Preferred): PCP/PLP (Payroll Compliance Professional / Payroll Leadership Professional - Canada) and/or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional - US).