Our client is looking for a highly skilled Senior Manager, Payroll to oversee and optimize payroll operations within their organization. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, this role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in payroll systems, compliance, and employee benefits administration. You will play a critical role in ensuring payroll accuracy, streamlining processes, and supporting the broader HR and financial functions. The role would require relocation should you not be located in the lower mainland.
Responsibilities:
Lead all aspects of payroll operations for a complex, high-volume environment spanning unionized and non-union employee groups
Ensure accurate and timely processing of semi-monthly payroll, T4 and T4A slips, in compliance with legislative and collective agreement requirements
Maintain rigorous internal controls and risk management frameworks to safeguard payroll accuracy and confidentiality
Provide strategic guidance and escalation support for payroll-related labour relations matters, including grievances and bargaining
Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, IT, and the Integrated Services Center to align payroll strategy with enterprise objectives
Oversee Workday configuration, payroll system integrations, and automation initiatives, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Coach, mentor, and lead a payroll team of 30, including team leads focused on operations, maternity leave, tuition waivers, and contributions
Serve as the institutional subject matter expert on Canadian payroll compliance, tax filings, benefit entitlements, and CRA regulations
Represent the company in audits, external stakeholder meetings, and strategic community initiatives
Drive continuous improvement through data analytics, performance metrics, and cross-functional engagement
Design and maintain payroll SLAs and KPIs to ensure alignment with service excellence goals
Lead communication and training initiatives for payroll across the company, including onboarding orientations and ServiceNow query triage
Serve as backup to the Director of Payroll during absences and support succession planning
Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business; CPA and Payroll Compliance detail oriented (PCP) designation required
Payroll Leadership detail oriented (PLP) designation or equivalent experience with large unionized Canadian Payroll
Minimum 8 years of progressive payroll leadership experience in large, unionized environments
Demonstrated expertise in Canadian payroll legislation, benefits administration, and pension compliance
Proven track record with large ERP platforms (Workday preferred; SAP or Oracle acceptable) and payroll transformation initiatives
Strong analytical and reporting skills, including experience building performance dashboards and KPIs
Experience leading cross-functional teams, managing conflict, and mentoring high-performing staff
Effective communicator comfortable engaging with executives, faculty, union leaders, and technical teams
Experience with ServiceNow ticketing systems and orientation training for new staff
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and ethical leadership
Experience handling complex overpayment, reconciliation, and collections processes
Familiarity with CRA regulations and direct liaison experience with federal tax authorities
Experience in multi-union and employee groups strongly preferred
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