Payroll Manager (Contract)

Clarity Recruitment; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 96,432 - 110,208; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Payroll Manager for a 6-month contract in Mississauga. This role involves managing payroll operations across Canada and the U.S., overseeing a team of specialists, and ensuring compliance with payroll legislation. The ideal candidate has strong experience in both jurisdictions, mentoring capabilities, and proficiency in UKG Pro. The opportunity provides a chance to bring stability to a high-volume payroll operation during a crucial transition period.

Qualifications

• Experience managing both Canadian and U.S. payrolls.
• Strong background in unionized environments with complex agreements.
• Ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee and mentor a team of payroll specialists.
• Manage compliance with U.S. and Canadian payroll legislation.
• Support the UKG system clean-up project.
• Prepare and maintain payroll budgets and forecasts.

Skills

Canadian and U.S. payroll management

Advanced Excel skills

Mentoring junior staff

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Tools

UKG Pro

Job description

Payroll Manager (Contract – 6 Months)

Location: Mississauga (4–5 days/week onsite in the GTA)

Compensation: $75-80/hr

Start Date: Immediate

Base pay range

CA$70.00/hr - CA$80.00/hr

About the Opportunity

Our client, a well-established organization operating across Canada and the U.S., is seeking an Interim Payroll Manager for a 6‑month contract. This role is critical in stabilizing payroll operations during a period of transformation, including a major UKG clean‑up and the busy year‑end cycle.

The ideal consultant is both a hands‑on payroll processor and a proven leader—capable of mentoring a junior team while managing complex, multi‑jurisdictional payrolls with precision and compliance.

What You’ll Do

Hands‑On Payroll Management

• Actively process payroll for both hourly and salaried employees across multiple provinces and U.S. states.
• Oversee, mentor, and develop a team of six payroll specialists, providing daily support and leadership.
• Interpret and apply multiple collective agreements, including unionized and commission structures.

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Manage weekly, bi‑weekly, and monthly payroll cycles while ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain compliance with all U.S. and Canadian payroll legislation and unionized payroll requirements.
• Complete all year‑end processes including T4s, W2s, ACA, EHT, and other filings.
• Execute remittances for CRA, WCB, EHT, RRSP/DPSP, and related entities.

System Optimization

• Support the ongoing UKG system clean‑up project to correct data and improve functionality.
• Contribute to payroll policy and procedure documentation during process improvement initiatives.
• Reconcile payroll data and prepare related journal entries and accruals.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare and maintain payroll budgets and forecasts; conduct variance analysis.
• Leverage advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data analysis) for reporting and reconciliation.

What You Bring

• Proven experience managing both Canadian and U.S. payrolls, including compliance and year‑end reporting.
• Strong background working in unionized environments with complex collective agreements.
• Advanced proficiency in UKG Pro for payroll processing, reporting, and troubleshooting (strong asset).
• Previous success leading and developing junior payroll staff.
• High attention to detail, problem‑solving acumen, and ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Availability to work onsite 4–5 days per week.

Why This Role

This engagement offers a unique opportunity to bring stability and structure to a high‑volume, multi‑jurisdictional payroll operation during a crucial transition period. The successful consultant will play an instrumental role in improving payroll accuracy, compliance, and team capability across North American operations.

Next Steps

We here at Clarity Recruitment would like to thank you for your application. Only those chosen for a phone interview will be contacted via email and text to set up a call.

Diversity Statement

Clarity Recruitment and our client are firmly committed to fostering diversity within their community. Our clients welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of their staff, including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Please notify us if you require accommodation in the application process.

Job# 3475707

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries: Manufacturing