Payroll Manager- US & Canada Payroll

About the Role

As the Payroll Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll while maintaining compliance with company policies, client agreements, and regulatory requirements. This position provides leadership, guidance, and technical expertise to the team managing U.S. and Canada associate payroll, driving operational efficiency, continuous process improvement, and a seamless payroll experience for associates.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for associates across US & Canada
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll runs, including regular cycles, off-cycle payments, and adjustments
• Monitor payroll transactions for accuracy and compliance with labor laws and company policies
• Maintain accurate records for audits and regulatory reporting, including deductions, garnishments, and tax filings
• Support audits by providing necessary payroll documentation
• Resolve complex payroll discrepancies, escalations, and associate inquiries
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related concerns from associates, clients, and internal teams
• Collaborate with HR, Benefits, and Client Services to ensure seamless payroll operations
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement process improvements
• Develop and maintain payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Generate reports on payroll performance, error rates, and compliance
• Train, guide, and support payroll team members
• Monitor team workload and performance to ensure timely task completion
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

—Bachelor's degree in finance, Business Admin

—8+ years of payroll experience

—2+ years of staffing industry, minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience

Required Skills

Leadership behaviors & key skills

—Strong understanding of US & Canada payroll laws, tax regulations, and company policies.

—High level of accuracy in payroll processing and reporting.

—Ability to assess and resolve payroll discrepancies efficiently.

—Proactive in identifying process improvements and risk mitigation strategies.

—Ability to effectively communicate payroll policies and procedures.

—Skilled in handling escalations and associate concerns professionally.

—Strong organizational and delegation skills to ensure team efficiency.

—Ability to analyze payroll reports and troubleshoot system issues.

Tools

—Payroll Processing Platforms

—Time & Attendance Tracking Systems

—Payroll compliance & Tax Filing Software

—ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, MSD)

—Analytics & Reporting Tools (e.g., Power BI)

—MS Excel, MS Word, MS Teams