Payroll Manager US & Canada

About the Position

The Payroll Manager is a highly hands-on operational leader within the People Operations team, responsible for end-to-end processing of global payroll across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC, as well as administering North American and international benefits programs.

Reporting to the Senior Director, People Operations, this is a true payroll practitioner role. You will be directly responsible for executing payroll cycles—not just overseeing them. The ideal candidate brings deep, hands-on expertise in Canada and US payroll processing and thrives in a detail-oriented, execution-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Global Payroll Execution (Hands-On)

• Personally execute end-to-end payroll processing, with a primary focus on Canada and US payroll
• Process payroll cycles across multiple regions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Manage payroll inputs, calculations, adjustments, and reconciliations
• Support global year-end payroll activities, tax filings, and reporting

North American & International Benefits Administration

• Administer Canada and US benefits including health, dental, disability, life, retirement plans, wellness programs, and leaves
• Administer international benefits in partnership with global vendors and local brokers across EMEA, LATAM, and APAC
• Process enrollments, life events, terminations, and benefit updates globally
• Maintain accurate benefits data across payroll, HRIS, and vendor systems
• Ensure compliance with regional benefits regulations

Compliance, Controls & Governance

• Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, state, and international payroll legislation
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of payroll and benefits data
• Support audits and maintain internal controls
• Monitor and implement changes to global payroll and benefits regulations

Employee Support & Collaboration

• Act as escalation point for payroll and benefits inquiries
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely support to employees
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external vendors globally

Systems & Reporting

• Manage and optimize payroll systems such as UKG, Workday, CloudPay, ADP, or similar
• Maintain system integrity, audit integrations, and support enhancements
• Produce reporting and analytics for leadership, budgeting, and workforce planning

Who You Are

Experienced Payroll Practitioner (Mandatory)

• 10+ years of payroll experience, including 3+ years in a Payroll Lead or Manager role
• Mandatory: Hands-on experience processing Canada and US payroll (not just oversight)
• Proven experience as a payroll practitioner actively running payroll cycles
• Experience with global payroll (EMEA, LATAM, APAC) is preferred
• Experience administering North American and international benefits

Analytical & Detail-Oriented

• Strong numeracy skills with a high level of accuracy
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs)

Organized & Trustworthy

• Ability to manage multiple time zones, deadlines, and complex data
• High level of confidentiality and attention to detail

Tech-Savvy & Improvement-Focused

• Experience with payroll/HRIS systems (UKG, Workday, CloudPay, ADP, etc.)
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and accuracy

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in HR, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field
• Payroll certification required (PCP, CPM, CPP, or equivalent)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in English; additional languages are an asset

Success in This Role

First 1–3 Months: Learning & Foundation

• Learn systems, workflows, and global payroll processes
• Begin processing payroll cycles with a focus on Canada and US
• Support benefits administration and employee inquiries

Months 4–6: Independent Execution

• Independently manage full-cycle Canada and US payroll
• Process international payrolls
• Lead benefits administration activities and reconciliations
• Support year-end payroll preparation

7+ Months: Ownership & Optimization

• Own global payroll and benefits operations end-to-end
• Lead compliance, audits, and year-end processing
• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives
• Act as subject matter expert for payroll and benefits

Interview Process

• Candidates will complete a practical payroll assessment/test to evaluate hands-on payroll knowledge and accuracy
• Interview stages will include recruiter screening, technical evaluation, and stakeholder interviews