We are looking for an experienced payroll leader to oversee payroll operations for a large unionized workforce in Waterloo, Ontario. This position is responsible for guiding the payroll team, maintaining accurate and timely pay processing, and ensuring compliance with legislative, financial, and organizational requirements. The successful candidate will strengthen day-to-day operations, support staff development, and help translate collective agreement updates into consistent payroll practices.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee end-to-end payroll activities, including regular bi-weekly runs, off-cycle payments, adjustments, and exception resolution, while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Guide and support Payroll Specialists and Payroll Administrators by setting priorities, assigning work, and resolving operational issues efficiently.
• Coordinate the payroll implementation of collective agreement changes in partnership with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent application.
• Review employee payroll records, grid placements, garnishment processing, and audit activities to protect data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Authorize payroll-related financial outputs such as journal entries, banking files, and general ledger summaries to support accurate reporting and payment release.
• Ensure year-end payroll obligations are completed properly, including the preparation and distribution of T4s and Records of Employment.
• Monitor employee and stakeholder payroll inquiries, address escalated matters, and maintain a strong service standard across the function.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal and provincial legislation, union requirements, remittance obligations, internal controls, and audit standards.
• Coach, mentor, and evaluate payroll staff through onboarding, training, performance reviews, and development planning, while adjusting team capacity as needed.
• Promote safe workplace practices, support incident reporting expectations, and contribute to a healthy office environment with occasional travel as required.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility within a high-volume environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in full-cycle payroll administration, including bi-weekly processing, reconciliations, year-end activities, and payroll tax requirements.

• Experience managing payroll for a workforce of more than 1000 employees, preferably in a unionized setting.

• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, source deductions, garnishments, Records of Employment, and T4 reporting requirements.

• Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop payroll team members while managing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Certified Payroll (PCP and/or PLP) designation is preferred.

• Solid understanding of payroll-related benefits administration, internal controls, and audit practices.

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with HR, labour relations, and other business partners.

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