Payroll & Benefits Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership over payroll processing, benefits administration, and payroll team management. This role is accountable for the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of payroll across multiple Canadian jurisdictions and a high-volume workforce. The Payroll & Benefits Manager partners closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to maintain strong internal controls, ensure legislative compliance, and drive continuous process improvement.

Core Accountabilities – Payroll

• Lead and manage the payroll team responsible for processing payroll for approximately 200 salaried employees and 1,500+ candidates on assignment.
• Accountable for the end-to-end accuracy and timeliness of all payroll cycles, minimizing off-cycle corrections and errors.
• Partner with HR to oversee onboarding, offboarding, and employee data changes, ensuring accurate payroll inputs and effective risk controls.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operations to improve timesheet accuracy, timeliness, and data integrity.
• Ensure accurate processing of source deductions and remittances to CRA and other agencies, maintaining full legislative compliance.
• Prepare and issue Records of Employment (ROEs) and oversee payroll tax form administration (TD1, CPT30, CPT1, etc.).
• Stay current on payroll legislation across multiple Canadian jurisdictions and ensure policy and system updates are implemented promptly.
• Lead payroll audits, PIER reviews, and year-end reconciliations, resolving issues proactively.

Benefits Administration

• Manage group benefits programs including health, pension, parental leave top-ups, and flex benefits.
• Partner with HR to support benefits strategy, renewals, and vendor relationships.
• Oversee enrolments, terminations, remittances, and leave transitions (LTD, maternity, sick leave).
• Analyze benefits participation and cost trends to support financial and workforce planning.

Team Leadership & Governance

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management for the payroll team.
• Set clear expectations, establish workload priorities, and ensure coverage for critical payroll activities.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll and benefits issues, exercising sound judgment and consistent application of policy.
• Maintain payroll documentation, internal controls, and segregation of duties.

What Success Looks Like

• Payroll is processed accurately and on time every cycle with minimal rework.
• Payroll audits and year-end activities are completed with no material findings.
• Payroll processes are well-documented, efficient, and resilient.
• Strong cross-functional partnerships reduce payroll risk and errors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including people management.
• PCP or PLP certification strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll tax and employment standards across multiple provinces.
• Proven leadership, attention to detail, and ability to operate confidently in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.