Director, Payroll and Benefits Administration

ABOUT US

STRIVE is a specialist recruitment firm offering proactive recruitment solutions in the areas of Accounting & Finance, Corporate Administration, Manufacturing Operations, and Technology. STRIVE supports various clients from small to medium-sized enterprises to Fortune 500 organizations for their permanent, contract, and temporary recruitment needs. 

THE ROLE

Our client is a market leader in their industry across multiple provinces in Canada, operating 40+ locations and employing over 3,500 people. They are seeking a Director of Payroll and Benefits to join their leadership team and oversee the organization’s payroll and benefits operations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this individual will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll across a complex, multi-province and unionized environment. The Director will play a key role in driving process improvements, overseeing payroll systems and compliance, and supporting organizational growth initiatives including acquisitions.

This role will also lead and develop the payroll team, collaborate closely with Finance and Human Resources, and provide reporting and insights to senior leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of payroll and benefits operations across a large, multi-location organization.
• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll for both salaried and hourly employees while maintaining compliance with applicable union agreements and government regulations.
• Oversee and optimize systems supporting payroll, HR, scheduling, and time and attendance functions.
• Lead the implementation and setup of payroll and benefits structures for new acquisitions, including regulatory registrations and benefits programs.
• Review and enhance payroll processes to improve efficiency and ensure accurate handling of salaries, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and third-party payments.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources and Finance teams to ensure alignment on payroll policies, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Provide payroll reporting and insights to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead the administration and annual review of employee benefit programs, including vendor coordination and program renewals.
• Manage year-end payroll processes, including review of T4s and responses to government inquiries.
• Liaise with auditors and manage payroll-related audits, including financial audits and regulatory compliance reviews.
• Lead payroll system upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Supervise, mentor, and support payroll team members while ensuring continuity of payroll operations.
• Develop and maintain payroll and benefits policies and procedures in alignment with legislative and regulatory requirements.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing payroll operations in a multi-province and unionized environment.
• Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation is required.
• Strong experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Comprehensive understanding of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and employment standards across multiple jurisdictions and unions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams while managing complex payroll operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential employee information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience supporting payroll operations during organizational growth or acquisitions is considered an asset.

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