Payroll Manager

Ontario Tech University; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll functions, manage a team, and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in payroll management, strong leadership skills, and a solid accounting background. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to implement process improvements and address complex payroll issues.

Qualifications

• Over 5 to 7 years of experience as a Payroll Manager.
• Experience with in-house payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of payroll specialists and ensure compliance with payroll laws.
• Review and authorize payroll payments, ensuring accuracy.
• Address escalated payroll issues and prepare for audits.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Leadership

Education

University degree or college diploma in business or accounting

CPM Diploma

Job description

The Payroll Manager, reporting to the Director of Financial Operations, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the University’s payroll functions by setting departmental goals, establishing objectives, and ensuring compliance with legislation and University policies. Key responsibilities include managing payroll specialists, serving as a payroll subject matter expert to group members and the HR community, leading complex projects, and proactively improving business processes.

Nature of Work :

This position reports to Ben Suter, Director of Financial Operations.

Responsibilities / Accountabilities :

1. Implement innovative process improvements while ensuring robust internal and external controls are maintained.
2. Stay informed of employment standards law changes, tax directives, and other payroll-related information through continuous research and appropriate channels.
3. Interpret and ensure compliance with provincial and federal payroll tax laws, including regulatory reporting to agencies such as CRA, WSIB, Ministry of Finance, and Family Support Office.
4. Manage a team of payroll specialists, providing training, coaching, and workload monitoring.
5. Review and authorize bi-weekly, monthly, and other payroll payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
6. Oversee all employee deductions and remittance processes.
7. Review and approve accounting entries, including journal vouchers, and reconcile payroll accounts with the general ledger.
8. Oversee the preparation and reconciliation of payroll year-end documentation, ensuring timely reporting of taxable benefits, T4, T4A, and T5 forms in accordance with CRA regulations.
9. Address and resolve escalated payroll issues and inquiries from university staff and external agencies.
10. Prepare payroll-related materials for annual and periodic financial audits.

Required Skills :

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with respect for confidentiality and strong attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven leadership and team development capabilities.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines as a team player.

Required Education :

• University degree or college diploma in business or accounting of three academic years or equivalent.
• CPM Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience; verification of credentials may be required.

Required Experience :

• Over 5 to 7 years of experience as a Payroll Manager.
• Experience with in-house payroll systems.
• Strong accounting background and understanding of payroll integration within finance functions, including preparing accounting reports.
• Experience in a unionized, university, or college environment is an asset.