Global Payroll Manager
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Toronto - Hybrid
Reporting to: VP-Finance
Job purpose:
We are a mid-sized organization with a long-standing history and operations spanning multiple countries and time zones. They are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Global Payroll Manager to join their Toronto-based Finance team.
Reporting to the VP, Finance, the Global Payroll Manager will provide leadership and oversight for payroll operations across a multi-provincial and international workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.
The successful candidate will serve as a key partner to Finance, Human Resources, and regional teams, providing oversight of payroll processes, controls, reconciliations, reporting, and continuous improvement. The role combines hands-on payroll expertise with global coordination, financial reporting, governance, and process improvement responsibilities.
What will be your key responsibilities?
Payroll Operations & Processing
- Manage the end-to-end payroll process for 800+ employees across Canada, and the US, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial/state regulations.
- Oversee the coordination with the offices in Asia finance teams regarding cross-border payroll entries and reconciliations.
- Administer the Deferred Profit Sharing Plan and RRSP contributions as part of the company’s financial benefits package.
- Maintain the integrity of the time-tracking systems for hourly and salaried staff, including monitoring overtime and on-call allowances for employees working outside standard hours.
- Maintain payroll processing continuity by providing back-up coverage during team member absences and supporting the accurate and timely execution of payroll activities.
Compliance & Reporting
- Serve as the primary liaison for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other regulatory bodies regarding payroll deductions, source deductions, and tax filings.
- Prepare year-end reporting (T4, T4A, RL-1, W-2) and reconcile government remittances.
- Ensure compliance with the Employment Standards Act (ESA) regarding vacation pay, stat holiday pay, and termination pay.
- Liaise with external auditors for 401k, RRSP, and workers' compensation audits.
- Lead the consolidation and analysis of FTE, payroll, and related costs, ensuring accurate and timely insights to support month-end financial reporting and decision-making.
- Partner with Accounting and Finance teams to support the reconciliation of payroll-related balance sheet accounts, investigate variances, and facilitate timely resolution of outstanding items.
Process Improvement & Strategy
- Collaborate with the VP FP&A to analyze staffing costs, departmental budgets, and payroll forecasting.
- Document and update payroll policies and procedures to mitigate risk and improve efficiency.
- Review payroll governance frameworks and key controls across global payroll sites to ensure appropriate oversight, control effectiveness, and compliance.
Employee Support
- Act as the escalation point for complex payroll inquiries, resolving discrepancies in timekeeping, benefits deductions, and commission payments.
- Support the administration of employee benefits, including health benefits, paramedical services, and the wellness program
What are we looking for?
Education & Experience
- Post-secondary degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
- Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation from the National Payroll Institute is strongly preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of global payroll management experience, preferably within a multi-entity or retail/tourism environment.
- Experience processing payroll for US entities (multi-state) is a strong asset.
Core Competencies & Technical Skills
- Proficiency with SAP, ADP, or similar enterprise payroll software.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Lookup functions, pivot ).
- Experience with timekeeping system integration.
- Global Acumen: Understanding of the nuances between Canadian and International payroll standards.
- Problem Solving: High attention to detail and analytical skills to investigate discrepancies.
