Our client is seeking an experienced Team Lead, Payroll to oversee payroll operations, lead a dedicated payroll team, and ensure compliance with complex federal and provincial regulations. This role is ideal for a payroll professional who combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership capabilities and enjoys being both strategic and hands-on. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations while supporting process improvements and mentoring team members.

Position Summary

As the Team Lead, Payroll, you will be responsible for leading payroll operations while actively participating in the end-to-end payroll process. You will provide guidance to a team of payroll professionals, serve as a subject matter expert on payroll legislation and compliance, and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to ensure payroll is delivered accurately and efficiently. This position requires a strong understanding of Canadian payroll legislation, leadership experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and mentor a team of payroll professionals, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Oversee and participate in the full end-to-end payroll process for multiple employee groups, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Monitor and maintain compliance with applicable payroll legislation, tax requirements, and reporting obligations across jurisdictions. Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and other internal stakeholders to resolve payroll-related issues and enhance payroll processes. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, implement best practices, and leverage technology to improve operational efficiency. Act as the escalation point for complex payroll inquiries and provide expert guidance as needed. Support payroll audits, reconciliations, reporting requirements, and internal control processes. Contribute to ongoing process improvement initiatives and payroll-related projects.

Qualifications

Education, Skills & Experience Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation required. Minimum 15 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibilities. Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, employment standards, and regulatory requirements. Experience processing or overseeing U.S. payroll is considered a strong asset. Experience working within complex unionized environments. Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects. Understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, financial controls, and reporting.