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Payroll Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Sun Life Financial

Payroll Specialist

Waterloo, ON · Hybrid

Reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, Payroll Operations, the Payroll Specialist will be responsible to process biweekly payroll for 7,000+ US employees. This is a 16-month contract position ...

Sun Life Financial

Payroll Specialist

Waterloo, ON · Hybrid

Reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, Payroll Operations, the Payroll Specialist will be responsible to process biweekly payroll for 7,000+ US employees. This is a 16-month contract position ...

People Store Staffing

Payroll Specialist

Milton, ON

Senior Manager, Payroll and Benefits About the Role Our client is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join their People & Culture team at their head office in Acton, Ontario.

New

GolfNorth Properties

Payroll Administrator

Conestogo, ON · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

Confirm suggested payments with senior management * Answer any employee inquiries about payroll * Work to increase payroll service performance * Prepare payroll reports for upper management Payroll ...

Linamar

Clerk - Payroll

Guelph, ON · On-site

Communicate regularly with Supervisors and Managers as it relates to timesheets. * Employee payroll deductions and reimbursements. * Process e-transfer transactions of employee premium payments.

Linamar

Payroll Clerk

Guelph, ON · On-site

Payroll Clerk (Centralized Payroll) Job Summary This role supports Payroll Analysts and Management in a centralized payroll environment, ensuring accurate retroactive pay adjustments and assisting ...

Manulife

PAD & Payroll Specialist

Waterloo, ON · Hybrid

Manage payroll files, which includes: * Set up the system that allows the file to run * Schedule and coordinate running the files * Quality-check the files * Send the files to the client * Answer ...

Securitas

Payroll and Administrator

Woodstock, ON · On-site

CA$19 - CA$24/hr

As a Payroll and Admin (Monday to Friday), you will be responsible for independently managing and ... Communicate and consult with District Management, Supervisors, Security Guards & Field Supervisors ...

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All JobsPayroll JobsPayroll Manager JobsPayroll Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON

Payroll Manager information

See Kitchener, ON salary details

$28K

$73.9K

$110.1K

How much do payroll manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll manager in Kitchener, ON is $73,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,778.00 and $86,301.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll manager?

A payroll manager works in the payroll or HR department of a business or organization and manages the payroll process for all employees and contractors. Payroll managers are responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid on time, in the correct amounts, and for issuing pay stubs. They are also responsible for compiling payroll information and managing the pre-payroll preparation process. Additionally, payroll managers complete records for earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, benefits and disability, and maintain records for the organization and tax reporting. Payroll managers may also oversee recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating of payroll department staff members.

What does a payroll manager do?

A Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing an organization's payroll functions. This includes ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, maintaining payroll records, and complying with relevant tax laws and regulations. Payroll Managers also handle payroll reporting, resolve payroll discrepancies, and may supervise payroll staff. Their role is crucial in maintaining employee satisfaction and legal compliance within a company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Manager, you need strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and accounting principles, often backed by a degree in finance or accounting and relevant experience. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), HR information systems, and professional certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help Payroll Managers stand out. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, and effective team leadership.

How does a payroll manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing?

Payroll Managers regularly coordinate with Human Resources and Finance teams to gather accurate employee data, such as new hires, terminations, benefit deductions, and salary changes. They also work closely with IT to ensure payroll systems are functioning correctly and with compliance teams to meet legal and tax requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for resolving discrepancies quickly and maintaining seamless payroll cycles. This cross-departmental interaction offers Payroll Managers a comprehensive view of organizational operations and strengthens their problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Payroll Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; certifications like CPP or FPC are commonSimilar credentials; often holds CPP or FPC certifications, with less emphasis on management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll departments, manages teams, and collaborates with HR and financePerforms payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks primarily independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageFound in mid to large organizations across various industriesCommon in organizations of all sizes, especially in HR or finance departments

The main difference between a Payroll Manager and a Payroll Specialist lies in their responsibilities and scope. Payroll Managers oversee payroll operations, manage teams, and ensure compliance at a strategic level, while Payroll Specialists focus on processing payroll data accurately and efficiently. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Payroll Manager's role involves more leadership and oversight.

Is a payroll manager a hard job?

A payroll manager's job involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance with tax laws, and managing payroll systems, which requires attention to detail and knowledge of relevant regulations. The role can be demanding during peak periods such as month-end or year-end, and it often requires strong organizational and communication skills. Certification and experience with payroll software are beneficial for managing the workload effectively.

What do payroll managers earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They are responsible for overseeing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and often use payroll software or systems to manage employee compensation accurately.
More about Payroll Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Kitchener, ON?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Kitchener, ON are:

What cities near Kitchener, ON are hiring for Payroll Manager jobs?

Cities near Kitchener, ON with the most Payroll Manager job openings:

Payroll Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Manager job openings in Kitchener, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,885 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Payroll Administrator

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, ON

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

At theUniversity of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.
Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

2026-00509


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Human Resources Operations

Employment Type:

Temporary

Department:

Human Resources - Payroll

Hiring Range:

$55,062.53 - $68,828.17

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Term: 2 years

There are 2 positions available.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Payroll Administrator provides a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers and applies their knowledge of payroll related legislation, University policy, and established processes and procedures to ensure employees and other payees are paid in a manner that is compliant, accurate, and timely. The scope and nature of payroll in the university environment is extensive and varied and requires a broad understanding of various employment scenarios, earnings types, and taxation requirements as well as the ability to apply professional expertise and judgment.

Key Accountabilities

Accurately calculate, enter and review pay related information in Workday

  • Review pay related submissions for completeness and compliance with government legislation, University policy, and established processes and procedures
  • Follow up with other teams within HR or campus departments where data is incomplete or non-compliant, or where clarification is needed
  • Validate retroactive earnings and deductions, and calculate and validate top-up payments for eligible employees on maternity/parental/adoption leave
  • Enter payroll data such as voluntary and involuntary deductions, retroactive pay items not handled by Workday's retro functionality, additional pay items, payments on termination, pre-paid benefit amounts, manual salary transfers, garnishments, special letters, and CPT30 forms

Review and balance the bi-weekly and monthly payrolls to ensure employee pay data is accurate before the pay is confirmed and released

  • In coordination with other members of the payroll team, run payroll calculations, incoming interfaces, and balancing and audit reports
  • Review earning, deduction, and tax data and compare to supporting documentation to verify accuracy
  • Make corrections in Workday where necessary, or coordinate with other teams within HR to have corrections made
  • Run outgoing interfaces and distribute deduction reports once pay processing is complete
  • Organize, maintain, and file documentation related to the payroll function for audit purposes
  • Produce off-cycle payments or adjustments as required

Process bi-weekly and monthly payrolls from beginning to end in coordination with the Assistant Payroll Manager while adhering to strict deadlines (Senior Payroll Administrators)

  • Run all processes in Workday needed to facilitate data entry, verification, confirmation and transmittal of the pays
  • Coordinate production and distribution of pay advices, cheques, payroll registers and remittance reports, etc.
  • Transmit electronic credit and debit files to the bank, verify acceptance, and deal with any rejected deposit amounts as required
  • Place bank recalls for direct deposit amounts and stop payment requests for cheques as necessary

Communicate with internal and external customers in person, via the telephone and through email

  • Respond to inquiries in a timely fashion as per Human Resources' service standards
  • Perform research where necessary to provide an accurate answer
  • Communicate policy, procedural, and legislative requirements to customers who often have little or no understanding of payroll
  • Provide functional assistance with regard to Workday Payroll self-service features and Time Tracking data entry
  • Deal with sensitive or personal information in a confidential and professional manner
  • Confer with, or escalate matters to, senior level team members as appropriate

Other duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Prepare cheque requests for government remittances, garnishments, general deductions, etc., and forward to Finance
  • Process pay reversals and adjustments in Workday to maintain accuracy of employee records
  • Prepare foreign fund payments for processing in coordination with Finance department
  • Prepare and file Records of Employment (ROEs) electronically with Service Canada for employees who terminate or have a break in service
  • Assist with year-end adjustments and corrections as required and respond to customer inquiries related to year-end slips
  • Participate in annual and adhoc audits, providing back-up paperwork and commentary on process where necessary
  • Participate in user acceptance testing for upgrades, updates and implementation of new functionality as required
  • Contribute to creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures
  • Assist with training of new team members and co-op students as required
  • Look for continuous improvement opportunities related to efficiency and payroll best practice and bring forward to Payroll Manager
  • Special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

Education

  • 2-3 year post-secondary education in business accounting or similar course of study
  • Has attained, or is working towards, National Payroll Institute, Payroll Compliance Professional certification (PCP)

Experience

  • 2-5 years of progressive payroll experience in a large scale, fast paced environment
  • Experience in the Higher Education sector preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of Canadian tax provisions, provincial/federal programs including CPP, EI, provincial healthcare, workers compensation, etc., and provincial employment standards
  • Strong customer service, and oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Accuracy and attention to detail in work, proven analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, at times with conflicting priorities
  • Experience with Workday Payroll and Time Tracking or other in-house payroll system
  • Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook)

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources athrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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