
Payroll Manager
- Burnaby, BC
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Oversee full cycle payroll processing for U.S. employees across multiple states (especially California), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal and state labor laws.
- Maintain payroll systems (e.g., HRIS/ERP, timekeeping) and ensure data integrity; implement system updates and enhancements; establish payroll calendars
- Ensure compliance with tax and wage laws, including federal, state, and local payroll taxes; prepare quarterly and annual filings (e.g., DE9, 941s) and manage tax deposits, involuntary deductions (levies, garnishments), and benefits trust payments
- Keep current on changing legislation (e.g., FLSA, California wage and hour rules, disability and unemployment taxes) and update payroll policies accordingly; provide guidance to management and employees.
- Administer employee benefits deductions and contributions (medical, dental, vision, life, disability) and coordinate 401(k) plan administration; reconcile benefits and payroll records.
- Process wage garnishments, retroactive pay adjustments, settlements, and pay corrections; manage accruals for vacation and sick leave.
- Maintain confidential payroll and attendance records, ensuring proper record retention; prepare reports and schedules for audits and financial reporting
- Provide payroll guidance and excellent customer service to employees and departments; investigate and resolve discrepancies
- Collaborate with finance for wage reporting and tax remittances; support external audits by providing schedules and documentation
- Supervise and train payroll staff, assign duties, monitor progress, and evaluate performance; lead payroll projects and process improvements
- For Canadian and international payroll (if applicable), ensure compliance with federal and provincial laws: establish payroll accounts, manage bi-weekly pay frequency, deduct income tax at source, and remit employer/employee contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI)
- In depth knowledge of payroll regulations, including federal and state wage & hour laws, California-specific requirements, and multi state payroll compliance.
- Familiarity with Canadian payroll compliance (federal/provincial tax laws, CPP/EI contributions, tax deductions) is a significant asset.
- Proficiency with payroll systems and software (e.g., ADP, Workday, PayCom or similar HRIS); ability to manage integrations and maintain data accuracy. Preference given to those with PayCom experience.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills, with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively with HR, finance, and external stakeholders while providing high-level customer service.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and tax laws.
- Leadership and team management skills, including training, coaching, and performance evaluation.
- High level of integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee data.
- 5–8 years of progressive experience in payroll administration, with at least 2–3 years in a lead or supervisory role; experience processing California payroll and multi state payroll is required.
- Demonstrated experience with payroll tax reporting, benefits administration, and 401(k) plan management.
- Knowledge of Canadian payroll regulations and experience processing Canadian payroll is a major asset.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) from the American Payroll Association is strongly preferred.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment and fluency in Spanish are considered assets.
- Maintaining a payroll accuracy rate of over 99% per pay period.
- Completing payroll processing and tax filings on or before all deadlines with no penalties.
- Passing external and internal compliance audits with no significant findings.
- Successfully implementing or upgrading payroll systems within scheduled timelines and budgets.
- Achieving high employee satisfaction with payroll services, measured by reduced payroll-related inquiries or positive feedback on surveys.