Payroll Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a workforce of more than 2,500 employees across the U.S. and Canada. This includes both union and non-union groups. The person in this role will not only ensure accuracy and compliance but also mentor a payroll team and partner closely with leadership on process improvements. Responsibilities : Oversee all payroll activities for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring timeliness, compliance, and accuracy. Manage payroll processing for union employees, aligning practices with collective bargaining agreements. Lead, train, and develop payroll specialists, monitoring workloads and supporting professional growth. Handle multi-state and Canadian payroll tax filings, reconciliations, garnishments, and deductions. Partner with Finance, HR, and Legal to align policies, improve reporting, and maintain compliance. Act as the main point of contact for auditors and external accounting firms, supporting quarterly and annual reviews. Ensure proper internal controls and accurate reporting of payroll-related financial data. Work with ERP systems (PeopleSoft experience required; cloud-based payroll knowledge is a plus). Drive automation and standardization of payroll processes, always looking for ways to improve efficiency. Support year-end payroll activities in both the U.S. and Canada. Take on special projects and organizational changes with a hands-on, solutions-focused mindset. Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. At least 7 years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role. Expertise in payroll operations across multiple states and Canada. Strong knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, and union payroll compliance. Proficiency with PeopleSoft HRMS; cloud payroll experience is a plus. Background working with external auditors and supporting audit cycles. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Strong communicator who can work effectively with executives, cross-functional teams, and outside partners. Collaborative, adaptable, and confident under pressure. Deep knowledge of payroll compliance in U.S. & Canada. Ability to lead and develop teams. Strong organizational and analytical mindset. Clear and effective cross-functional communication. Calm and steady approach in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.

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