The Team Lead, Payroll will be responsible for accurate processing of payroll, benefits administration, reconciliations and government remittances globally. Responsible for ensuring internal “customer” satisfaction, the Team Lead, Payroll will support the Payroll Team in responding to questions or concerns fully, and in a timely manner. In conjunction with the Sr. Manager, People & Culture, the Team Lead, Payroll will develop, implement, and evaluate payroll strategy, practices, processes and technology solutions for the organization in a global context. The Team Lead, Payroll will interface with a variety of stakeholders including the People & Culture team, Finance team, vendors, leaders and employees, and will contribute to and/or lead other special projects/duties as assigned. In addition, the Team Lead, Payroll will supervise daily activities of the Payroll Team, providing support, mentorship and guidance, ensuring workload is appropriately distributed, and handling escalations.
Responsibilities
- As the Team Lead, Payroll, you'll be involved in a combination of the following activities:
Payroll Operations (25-35%)- Lead the Payroll Team in providing full cycle preparation and administration of payroll globally in compliance with required legislation in each country Alimentiv operates
- Ensure the accurate and timely processing of wage adjustments, retroactive pay, statutory holiday pay, overtime, bonuses, deductions and contributions, and other compensation elements for direct employees and EOR workers
- Implement and oversee monthly reconciliation process to provide to accounting & finance team
- Act with urgency to resolve payroll discrepancies and answer employee queries about wages, deductions, and taxes
- Act as primary liaison with outsourced payroll vendor, driving accountability for service levels and issue resolution
- Keep abreast of any legislative changes pertaining to payroll and benefits globally and coordinate system parameter changes
- Ensure payroll data integrity across HRIS, payroll, and vendor systems
- Oversee creation and maintenance of the payroll calendar and payday schedules for employees globally
- Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential
Customer Service and Continuous Improvement (25-35%)- Respond to questions/concerns from employees, leaders, HR and other stakeholders in a timely manner
- Work cross-functionally, particularly with HR and Finance, to provide expertise on payroll matters and to facilitate effective integration of payroll-related activities
- In conjunction with the Sr. Manager, People & Culture, establish, maintain, track, and report on the performance of the Payroll Team against service level agreements for response time
- Act as subject matter expert for global payroll and provide guidance/support to employees, leaders, and members of the HR and Finance teams
- Prepare and maintain payroll process documentation to support training needs and support continuous improvement
- Train and support team members in the use of payroll-related systems and procedures
- Proactively communicate changes/interruptions in payroll to employees
Payroll Audit & Compliance (10-15%)- Prepare reports for management, finance department and auditors
- Work with government agencies when necessary to ensure full compliance by overseeing audits where required
- Prepare accurate and timely reconciliations on a regular basis
- Provide support to finance with year-end financial audit and any other third parties' audits
- Audit payroll data regularly to ensure accuracy and compliance with company and legal standards
- Monitor compliance with accounting policies and internal accounting controls
Team Supervision, Mentorship, and Engagement (10-15%)- Supervise, mentor, train, provide leadership and oversee the development of direct reports by setting individual performance goals and development objectives to support department and company strategies and objectives
- Evaluate training needs and conduct performance reviews for assigned staff
- Support the Sr. Manager, People & Culture in identifying and quantifying resource requirements; participate in staffing decisions; onboard and train new staff
- Maintain positive team morale; facilitate conflict resolution as required
Operational Planning & Oversight (5-10%)- Participate in the development and execution of departmental strategies to enhance service delivery, staff engagement, and operational efficiencies
- Assist with departmental budget planning
Professional Practice (5-10%)- Act with integrity and balance the interest of all parties in carrying out payroll activities
- Model ethical practices for staff
- Adhere to payroll legal requirements in carrying out all payroll activities; keep current on changes to the laws that govern payroll practices
- Maintain awareness of broad economic, societal, technological, political, global, and demographic trends; Evaluate the credibility of sources of information
Special Projects- Support other HR and/or payroll projects/duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Minimum qualifications:
- 4 - 9 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership or team lead responsibilities with proven project management skills
- PCP or CPM designation (or international equivalent) required; strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements
- Experience in accounting/reconciliations of payroll liabilities accounts and knowledge of Payroll GL
- Hands-on experience with outsourced payroll vendors (global payroll experience preferred), HRIS, and payroll systems
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Preferred skills & experience:- Experience managing payroll across multiple jurisdictions; strong knowledge of Canadian and US payroll required, with global exposure highly valued
- Interpersonal:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while meeting deadlines timely and accurately
- Strong verbal and written skills, to align with various stakeholders and maintain strict confidentiality
- Excellent customer service skills, ability to explain complex issues at an understandable level