Reporting directly to the Controller, the Manager, Payroll & Finance Operations is a hands-on leader with end-to end accountability for payroll, accounts payable, expense management, and accounts receivable. The role combines direct execution with team oversight, and is responsible for ensuring these functions operate accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable legislation and internal policy. The Manager, Payroll & Finance Operations owns the operational month-end close process, maintains a strong internal control environment, and leads policy development where gaps exist. This role also provides coverage for the Manager, Finance (Accounting) during periods of absence, supports year-end audits, and drives continuous process improvement across the finance function.

Duties, Responsibilities, Authority, and Accountabilities People Leadership

• Leads, develops, and mentors direct reports across payroll, AP, and AR functions, fostering a high-performance and collaborative team culture.
• Responsible for performance management, goal setting, and ongoing coaching of direct reports.
• Supports recruitment and onboarding of finance staff as required.
• Identifies training needs and opportunities for team development.

Payroll

• Accountable for the full payroll cycle, including processing, payroll accounting, general ledger recording, and reconciliations.
• Responsible for accurate and timely regulatory reporting and remittances, including T4s, CRA, WorkSafeBC, employee pension plan, and employee medical plan filings.
• Ensures accurate administration of all payroll earnings and deductions, including CPP, EI, income tax, pension contributions, benefits, and other voluntary or involuntary deductions.
• Coordinates with People & Wellbeing (P&W) to ensure timely and accurate payroll setup for new hires, employee changes, absences, and terminations.
• Partners with PaW and other Finance teams to manage compensation events including PRP, terminations, leaves, retroactive adjustments, and incentives, ensuring correct financial treatment.
• Oversees year-end payroll system roll-over and all associated year-end requirements.
• Serves as the primary escalation point for payroll issues and discrepancies.

Accounts Payable

• Accountable for the end-to-end AP function, including accurate and timely processing of invoices, vendor payments, expense reports, corporate credit cards, and PO support.
• Responsible for monthly vendor statement reconciliations, payables sub-ledger integrity, and maintaining a complete and accurate audit trail in the general ledger.
• Coordinates with management teams, purchasers, and vendors to resolve discrepancies and issues in a timely manner.
• Serves as the primary escalation point for AP issues and process exceptions.

Accounts Receivable

• Accountable for accurate and timely invoicing and collections, ensuring alignment with customer contracts and prompt resolution of discrepancies.
• Responsible for AR reconciliations and maintaining a complete and accurate audit trail in the general ledger; keeps management informed of outstanding items and collection risks.
• Coordinates with management teams and customers to investigate and resolve billing issues and misunderstandings.
• Serves as the primary escalation point for AR issues and process exceptions.

Reporting & Analysis

• Owns the operational finance month-end and annual close process, ensuring all transactions are recorded, reconciliations are completed on schedule, accruals are posted, and outstanding items are resolved or escalated promptly.
• Monitors for errors and discrepancies across all operational finance streams; investigates root causes and ensures corrective action is taken.
• Provides timely financial insights and ad hoc analysis to support business decision-making.
• Supports filing of government remittances and tax filings to comply with Nation, municipal, provincial, and federal requirements.
• Identifies and leads process improvement and automation initiatives across operational finance functions, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Stays current with relevant systems (NetSuite, UKG) and proactively recommends enhancements to workflows and reporting.

Controls & Policy

• Responsible for ensuring all operational finance activities are conducted in accordance with established policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Proactively identifies gaps in the control environment and leads the development or update of finance policies as needed across AP, AR, payroll, and expense management.
• Acts as the operational steward of internal controls, ensuring team compliance and continuously strengthening the control environment

Other

• Perform other duties as required.

Reporting Responsibilities and Authorities from Supervisor

• Reports to the Controller

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business Administration, or relevant experience; a CPA designation is required.
• 5 years of work experience in Payroll
• Experience with financial reporting requirements
• Ability to lead, recruit and mentor a team of accounting and finance professionals
• Experience using financial systems and software, including NetSuite, UKG, or similar.
• Professional, adaptable communication style with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others and lead by positive example.
• Must be a goal-oriented accounting professional who can show a sense of urgency with good attention to detail.
• High level of emotional intelligence, patience, and integrity.
• Maintains composure in high-pressure situations.
• Able to communicate complex information to stakeholders in a meaningful way.
• Resourceful and organized with excellent time management abilities.
• Able to deliver challenging information tactfully and diplomatically when needed. Acts ethically and handles sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Experience with change management, and project management.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong team player with solid communication skills.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Strong multi-tasking and organization skills.
• Ability to set and manage priorities to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in MS Office software (Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Experience working with First Nations is an asset.

Special Requirements

• Willing to work additional hours as required.

Working Conditions

• Office work (prolonged sitting)