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Payroll Manager Jobs in Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

University of Waterloo

Manager, Payroll

Waterloo, ON

Primary Purpose The Manager, Payroll oversees all functions related to the delivery of compensation (domestic and international) and corresponding payroll services in adherence with strict deadlines ...

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 ...

GolfNorth Properties

Payroll Administrator

Conestogo, ON · On-site

CA$58K - CA$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 ...

Manulife

Payroll Analyst

Waterloo, ON · On-site

Handle escalated payroll support cases, including complex employee, manager, HR, and vendor inquiries requiring research, judgment, and timely resolution. * Lead complex payroll activities, including ...

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

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

ABL Employment

Payroll Specialist

Milton, ON · On-site

CA$70K - CA$85K/yr

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys managing payroll, supporting employees and managers, and ensuring accurate and timely processing while maintaining compliance with all regulations. What's in ...

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 ...

Region of Waterloo

Manager HR Systems

Kitchener, ON · On-site

CA$114K - CA$1M/yr

Leads project teams involving divisional staff, payroll, ITS, consultants, and contractors to ... Manages test plan development, and analyses results. Troubleshoots and designs custom reports.

New

401 Auto

Automotive Sales Person - Cambridge

Cambridge, ON · On-site

CA$70K - CA$100K/yr

Payroll Management : Gain experience managing commission, bonuses, and salaries for employees. * Compliance & Lender Relations : Ensure all financial and legal requirements are met while maintaining ...

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Payroll Manager information

See Waterloo, ON salary details

$28K

$73.8K

$110K

How much do payroll manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll manager in Waterloo, ON is $73,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,738.00 and $86,243.00 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 Waterloo, ON?

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

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

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

Payroll Manager jobs near you

Manager, Payroll

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, ON

Full-time

Posted 7 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:

2026-02560


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Human Resources Operations

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Human Resources - Total Rewards

Hiring Range:

$95,538.29 - $119,422.87

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position isThursday, September 3rdat 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Manager, Payroll oversees all functions related to the delivery of compensation (domestic and international) and corresponding payroll services in adherence with strict deadlines and in accordance with government legislation and University policy and procedures. In collaboration with Director, Total Rewards participates in special projects to ensure effective, efficient, and compliant payroll practices are developed and maintained; contributes to the achievement of Human Resources' departmental goals and professional services delivery.

Key Accountabilities

Remain Current and Conversant with Compliance Requirements, Trends, and Best Practices

  • Maintain awareness of legislation, regulations, and standards related to payroll to ensure compliance within area of responsibility
  • Maintain awareness of best practices and emerging issues related to payroll
  • Participate in professional development to aid in ongoing knowledge and skills acquisition
  • Provides senior level payroll expertise, advice and guidance to all University stakeholders (Employee, Management, Leadership, Committee) in complex and sensitive matters and policy interpretation related to payroll
  • Support the creation of, and give feedback on, policies and guidelines affecting payroll, ensuring compliance with government legislation

Manages the Effective and Accurate Execution of Payroll

  • Oversee the administration and processing of all aspects of payroll for the University, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately and on-time through monthly and biweekly standard cycles, with off cycle payments as required
  • Provide final sign-off to monthly and year-end processing and filing, ensuring completeness and compliance with strict deadlines; oversee the coordination of year-end reconciliation of government remittances (i.e. CPP, EI, Income Tax, WSIB, EHT) with HR Financial Officer
  • Develop and maintain all payroll processes/procedures and documentation, focusing on best practice, compliance and continuous quality improvement
  • Coordinate training of payroll team to ensure consistent application of University policies and standard operating procedures and compliance with legislative requirements
  • Manage the payroll team, providing guidance and direction when higher level issues arise, and ensuring standard procedures are followed and service standards are achieved
  • Ensure all complex, unique, and sensitive issues are investigated and resolved, working with external entities (i.e. CRA, Service Canada, auditors, consultants, etc.) and campus partners or other HR colleagues as required
  • Participate in audits, providing support to the Assistant Payroll Manager and HR Financial Officer and acting as primary contact when necessary; design and implement internal controls to meet audit requirements; coordinate with Human Resources Data Analytics (HRDA) team to design and obtain audit reports in Workday as required to support the payroll function
  • Continuously leads the analysis, measurement, review, development, and implementation of effective and efficient processes, practices and system capabilities to govern all payroll activities to ensure quality and consistency and delivery against defined targets

Support the Effectiveness of the HR/Payroll System Application

As the Subject Matter Expert for the payroll and time tracking modules in the HR/Payroll system (Workday), work with Information Systems Technology (IST) Teams to:

  • Define requirements in accordance with the University policies and legislative requirements;
  • Test configuration changes to ensure achievement of requirements;
  • Evaluate and test the system and ongoing releases/updates on an ongoing basis to ensure functionality achieves requirements;
  • Ensure appropriate controls are in place to maintain system security; and,
  • Request that access be granted or restricted, as needed.

As the Payroll Manager, work with HRDA, IST, and all HR users of Workday, to ensure the system's configuration allows for accurate and compliant payroll processing; identify issues that are impacting the effectiveness, efficiency, or accuracy:

  • Identify upstream issues that are impacting payroll processing (e.g. pending events, missing information, timeliness of approvals, etc.)
  • Provide suggestions (data, coding, processing, configuration) suggestions that might be viable solutions to address and resolve the production issues
  • Support the testing of such configuration changes to ensure achievement of requirements
  • Support the Assistant Payroll Manager with working with departments on campus to resolve integration and data issues (e.g. Finance, Student Accounts, Alumni, Plant Operations, Food Service, etc.)
  • Train and educate the Payroll team on processes within the Workday application on an ongoing basis; cooperate with other teams to ensure understanding of payroll requirements

Communication of Payroll Processes to all Stakeholders

  • Ensure all communication material is current, accurate, and understandable by stakeholders
  • With assistance from the payroll team, prepares and presents information at sessions
  • As necessary, meets or corresponds with employees who have complex payroll questions and answers all their questions
  • Assist HR Partners as needed in preparing severance packages and meet or correspond with terminated employees who have been given severance packages to explain payroll implications
  • Oversee preparation of reports, as well as past trends and special analysis to University stakeholders
  • Develops and implements appropriate and effective communication processes and approaches to meet and exceed the needs of various stakeholders

Ensure Effective Utilization, Deployment, and Development of Staff

  • Define and communicate internally set payroll standards and procedures to ensure quality and consistency of services delivered
  • Deploy staff to most productively meet department goals and objectives in area of responsibility
  • Coach, train and develop employees to assure growth and development of those individuals
  • Conduct annual performance appraisal and conduct regular reviews with direct reports; ensure adherence to annual process within the payroll team
  • Approve and control the hiring, staffing, promotion, discipline and termination of payroll employees
  • Monitor and schedule vacations, overtime and other absences for the payroll team and redistribute work as necessary to ensure customer service levels are maintained

Other duties as required

  • Participates in HR cross functional review of processes and procedures to provide payroll impacts, especially Workday configuration considerations
  • Resource to University committees and provides consultative assistance to HR teams and campus managers on payroll related matters

Required Qualifications

Education

  • Three-year Post-secondary education (university degree preferred) in Commerce, Human Resources, or similar course of study
  • Canadian Payroll Association Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) certification required

Experience

  • 7-10 years of progressive payroll and management experience in a large-scale, fast-paced environment with a proven track record of achievement and success within the payroll field
  • 2-3 years of experience in the Higher Education sector preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of Canadian federal tax provisions, provincial/federal programs including CPP, EI, provincial healthcare, workers compensation, etc., and provincial employment standards
  • Proven management skills and strong customer service focus
  • Accuracy and attention to detail in work, proven analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including process documentation development and delivery
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, at times with conflicting priorities
  • Experience with Workday 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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