Payroll Manager

Durham District School Board; Whitby; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canada is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll services for over 10,000 employees within a complex, multi-union environment. This role involves ensuring compliance with payroll legislation, leading a team, and managing financial reporting. Candidates should have at least seven years of payroll experience, demonstrate strong knowledge of payroll processes, and hold relevant educational qualifications. Join an inclusive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years leading a Payroll function in a large, complex organization.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective agreement language in payroll processes.
• Experience with OMERS or Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate processing of multiple bi‑weekly payrolls.
• Manage monthly remittances and reconciliations to unions and agencies.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise to the Payroll team.

Skills

Strong knowledge of payroll legislation

Analytical and problem‑solving skills

Advanced proficiency in MS Excel

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to lead and develop staff

Education

Community College Diploma or Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration

Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation

Job description

Job Details

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Finance, the Payroll Manager is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of a large, complex, multi-union payroll operation within the Business Department at the Durham District School Board (DDSB). This role oversees the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of payroll services for more than 10,000 employees, representing an annual payroll budget of approximately $800M.

The Payroll Manager ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, collective agreements, and Board policies and procedures, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and service excellence. The incumbent will work collaboratively with Human Resources and other departments closely connected to payroll functions and will lead a team focused on continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery to DDSB employees.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations and Legislative Compliance

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of multiple bi‑weekly payrolls for all employee groups, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, Board policies and procedures, and collective agreements.
• Ensure adherence to all payroll‑related legislative and regulatory requirements, including CRA, pension, and benefit plan obligations.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, confidentiality, and security of payroll data and employee information.
• Monitor legislative changes and lead the implementation of required payroll process or system updates.

Financial Reporting, Remittances, and Year‑End Processes

• Manage monthly remittances and reconciliations to unions and federations, pension and benefit plans, and government agencies.
• Oversee year‑end payroll processes, including T4s, Employer Health Tax (EHT), and all required reconciliations and statutory filings.
• Liaise with external auditors and provide payroll analysis and documentation, as required.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Service Excellence

• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical expertise to the Payroll team to support consistent, accurate, and responsive service delivery.
• Act as a key resource and liaison for payroll‑related matters with Senior Administration, managers, and other departments across the Board.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and service‑oriented work environment aligned with DDSB values.

Continuous Improvement and Strategic Support

• Lead and support payroll‑related initiatives and projects that align with Board strategic and business priorities.
• Analyze payroll processes and data to identify efficiencies, mitigate risk, and enhance service delivery.
• Support payroll system enhancements and conversions, as required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience leading a Payroll function in a large, complex, unionized organization.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, CRA requirements, pension and benefit administration, and government regulations.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying collective agreement language within payroll processes.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience working with OMERS, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, or other defined benefit pension plans is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, including analysis of large data sets.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff to achieve performance excellence.
• Experience supporting or leading a payroll system conversion is an asset.

Education

• Community College Diploma or Undergraduate University Degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience deemed acceptable by the Board.
• Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation through the National Payroll Institute.

Additional Information

• This is a permanent, full‑time position, working 35 hours per week, with regular office hours.
• Provide a current criminal record and judicial matters check (CRJMC) screening upon hire.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well‑being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.