Payroll Manager - Global Operations

FreeBalance; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

FreeBalance is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead global payroll operations across multiple countries. You will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely processing while partnering with Finance, HR, and external providers.

The role requires deep knowledge of international payroll regulations, strong analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to drive continuous process improvements in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including international management.
• Experience across multiple countries and currencies.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, and compliance.
• Experience with HRIS/ERP systems (Workday, ADP, Dayforce, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, NetSuite).

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across countries and jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, and external payroll providers to ensure accurate processing.
• Ensure compliance with local tax, labour, and statutory regulations.
• Lead payroll team and drive continuous process improvements.
• Develop payroll policies, procedures, and documentation.

Skills

Global payroll

International payroll management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/HR/Business Administration

Tools

Workday

ADP

Dayforce

SAP SuccessFactors

Oracle

NetSuite

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee and optimize our global payroll operations across multiple countries. As a key member of the Finance team, you will ensure the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll while serving as the critical link between Finance, Human Resources, and external payroll providers.

This role requires expertise in international payroll regulations, strong analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. You will play a pivotal role in supporting our global workforce by ensuring payroll excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement.

Main Responsibilities

• Global Payroll Management
  • Manage end-to-end payroll operations for employees across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
  • Ensure payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with local tax, labour, and statutory regulations.
  • Coordinate with global payroll vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent service delivery.
  • Maintain payroll calendars and oversee payroll activities across different time zones.
  • Validate payroll data, reconciliations, deductions, bonuses, commissions, equity compensation, and year-end reporting.
• Finance & Human Resources Partnership
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Finance and Human Resources to ensure employee data changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
  • Collaborate with HR on employee onboarding, offboarding, promotions, compensation changes, and benefits administration.
  • Partner with Finance to support payroll accounting, accruals, reconciliations, audits, and month-end and year-end close activities.
  • Ensure payroll data aligns with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting requirements.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll across all operating countries.
  • Ensure compliance with employment standards, tax regulations, pension requirements, and statutory filings.
  • Coordinate internal and external payroll audits.
  • Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard confidential employee information.
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Manage payroll systems and integrations with HRIS, ERP, and finance systems.
  • Identify opportunities to automate and improve payroll processes, reporting, and controls.
  • Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation.
  • Support system implementations, upgrades, and international expansion initiatives.
• Reporting & Analytics
  • Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and executive leadership.
  • Analyze payroll trends, labour costs, and headcount metrics.
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and workforce planning through accurate payroll data.
• Leadership
  • Lead and mentor payroll team members where applicable.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and customer service.
  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external payroll partners worldwide.
• Skills/Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant international payroll management.
  • Experience managing payroll across multiple countries and currencies.
  • Strong understanding of payroll legislation, taxation, employment standards, and compliance requirements.
  • Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and ERP systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Dayforce, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting skills.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Finance, HR, Legal, and business leaders.
  • Experience with payroll process automation and systems implementation.
• Key Competencies
  • Global payroll expertise
  • Financial acumen
  • HR partnership
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Process improvement
  • Leadership and coaching
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Project management
  • Attention to detail
  • Confidentiality and integrity

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. FreeBalance is an inclusive employer dedicated to building a diverse workforce to increase the representation of the designated groups based on each country’s legislation. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective labour law throughout all stages of the recruitment process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.