Payroll Manager

Optima Living; Surrey; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A senior living organization in Surrey is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations and ensure compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of payroll experience, including leadership in a unionized environment. This position offers competitive compensation, health benefits, and opportunities for career development alongside a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Health and Wellness Benefits

Career Growth and Development

Financial and Life Support

Work-Life Balance

Flexible Work Environment

Team Culture and Recognition

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, including 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing payroll in unionized environments.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll operations across communities.
• Foster team development and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation and policies.

Skills

Leadership

Payroll management

Compliance

Communication skills

Time management

Education

PCP or CPM certification

Tools

Dayforce

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Let us welcome you home
Optima Living operates Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living and Memory Living communities in Alberta and British Columbia. Our communities are among the best places to live in Western Canada.

Our Vision: For every person to feel at home.

This is truly supported by our credo. “Let us welcome you home.” All of us here feel it is an honor to work with our residents and we advocate a resident-centered approach where the Resident is the focus of all our endeavors.

Position Summary

As the Payroll Manager, you will oversee and manage all aspects of payroll operations across Optima Living communities. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency within our payroll processes and systems while supporting a culture of collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with HR, Finance, and Operations leaders to ensure every team member is paid accurately and on time, while maintaining compliance with legislation, collective agreements, and organizational policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Payroll and Benefits Coordinators, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and teamwork
• Oversee team performance management, training, and development to strengthen payroll expertise and service delivery
• Manage the full payroll cycle using Payworks, ComVida, and Dayforce, ensuring timely and accurate processing
• Ensure payroll systems are properly configured, tested, and compliant with internal standards and government regulations
• Monitor and ensure adherence to federal and provincial legislation, collective agreements, and internal payroll policies
• Prepare and reconcile payroll reports, including month-end and year-end filings, ROEs, and other submissions
• Oversee benefits administration, ensuring accurate enrollments, updates, and coordination with HR and external vendors
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries, audits, and investigations, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk control
• Act as the subject matter expert for payroll operations, contributing to policy development and system enhancements
• Maintain and update payroll procedures, best practices, and internal control documentation
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations leaders to align payroll services with business objectives and resolve complex payroll issues
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related questions from leaders, employees, and external partners, ensuring timely and high-quality support

Qualifications & Experience

• PCP or CPM certification required
• Minimum 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role managing direct reports
• Experience managing payroll and benefits in unionized environments under multiple collective agreements
• Strong understanding of full-cycle payroll processes, CRA regulations, and federal and provincial payroll legislation
• Advanced working knowledge of Dayforce or similar HCM systems (Payroll, Time & Attendance, Scheduling, and Benefits modules)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications
• Excellent time management, organization, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, foster trust, and build a positive team culture
• Experience in healthcare or seniors living environments is an asset

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

Why Join Optima Living?

At Optima Living, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging workplace where every team member feels valued, empowered, and truly at home. When you join our team, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and quality of life.

Competitive Compensation
Receive a market-competitive compensation package with pay progression based on your length of service and individual performance.

Health and Wellness Benefits
We offer employer-paid health coverage for you and your family, including vision care, dental care, paramedical services, travel insurance, and a health spending account, ensuring your health and peace of mind are a priority.

Career Growth and Development
We are committed to your professional journey. Enjoy opportunities for advancement, access to ongoing training, and educational programs designed to help you thrive in your career.

Financial and Life Support
Our robust benefits package includes an employer-matching RRSP program, life insurance, and access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), providing support for every stage of life.

Work-Life Balance
We understand the importance of time for yourself and your loved ones. Our team members benefit from generous vacation entitlements, paid sick time, and additional paid days off to rest and recharge.

Flexible Work Environment
We support productivity through flexibility. Our workspaces include ergonomic sit/stand desks and collaborative open-office designs. Enjoy flexible start and end times, as well as hybrid work options that allow you to perform at your best, wherever you are.

Team Culture and Recognition
At Optima Living, we strive to welcome you home. Our culture is built on mutual support, inclusion, and teamwork. As a member of our team, you'll take part in team-building activities, social gatherings, and community fundraising events. Through programs like our “Shining Star” Employee Recognition initiative, we celebrate your contributions and stay connected to our shared mission, vision, and values.