Payroll Manager

Alberta Motor Association

$80K — $95K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Diploma or degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification required; Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) preferred.
  • Progressive payroll experience with leadership responsibility in a complex environment.
  • Knowledge of Workday HRIS is a plus.
  • Expertise in Canadian payroll legislation and auditing principles.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the payroll process for approximately 2,000 employees across multiple entities.
  • Establish payroll schedules, controls, and service standards for compliance.
  • Monitor legislative changes and update payroll processes as necessary.
  • Provide leadership and professional development to payroll staff.
  • Oversee payroll reconciliations, year-end activities, and audits.
  • Collaborate with HRIS on payroll integrations and data integrity.
  • Serve as the primary contact for complex payroll inquiries.

Benefits

  • Inclusive and respectful workplace committed to accessibility.
  • Opportunity for professional growth within the team.
  • Support for accommodations during the recruitment process.
Full Job Description

Lead the Numbers That Matter

The Opportunity
Are you a payroll leader who thrives on accountability, compliance and delivering exceptional service? AMA is looking for a Payroll Manager to lead the organization's payroll function—ensuring our approximately 2,000 team members across multiple business entities are paid accurately and on time, every time. Reporting to the Director, HR Technology & Total Rewards, this in-office role is at the heart of AMA's Human Resources function, partnering closely with Finance, HR Technology and senior leadership to uphold compliance, drive continuous improvement and deliver a seamless employee experience.

Who You Are

  • You bring advanced knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, employment standards, income tax regulations and statutory remittances, and you apply that expertise with confidence.
  • You have a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy; you know that getting payroll right directly impacts employees' lives and AMA's compliance obligations.
  • You are a strong leader who fosters a culture of accountability, professional growth and exceptional customer service within your team.
  • You excel at stakeholder engagement, communicating clearly and effectively with diverse audiences including employees, Finance, HR and senior leadership.
  • You are a critical thinker with proven problem-solving and analytical skills, and you take a structured approach to managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
  • You champion continuous improvement, embracing change with positivity and bringing process redesign, automation and technology solutions to the table.
  • You handle sensitive information with the highest degree of discretion and confidentiality.
  • You can self-manage top priorities and deliver results consistently, even under competing demands.

How You’ll Make an Impact

  • Lead the end-to-end payroll process for a Canadian workforce of approximately 2,000 employees across multiple business entities, ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages, salaries, bonuses, allowances and other compensation elements.
  • Establish and maintain payroll schedules, controls and service standards that support compliance with federal, provincial and local payroll legislation, employment standards, tax regulations, pension requirements and statutory reporting obligations.
  • Monitor legislative changes and implement required payroll process updates to keep AMA ahead of compliance obligations.
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching and professional development to payroll staff, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability and exceptional service.
  • Lead payroll reconciliations, year-end activities, internal and external audits, and financial reporting requirements.
  • Partner with the HRIS team and internal stakeholders to maintain payroll-related integrations, workflows and data integrity, and support system configuration, testing, upgrades and enhancements.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for complex payroll inquiries from employees, leadership, auditors, regulatory agencies and external vendors, ensuring a high level of service and responsiveness.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and efficiency through process redesign, automation and technology enhancements.
  • Ensure the accuracy, security, confidentiality and integrity of payroll data and employee records at all times.

What You Bring to the Table

  • Diploma or degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification required; Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation is preferred.
  • Experience with Workday HRIS would be an asset.
  • Progressive payroll experience, including demonstrated leadership responsibility within a complex organizational environment.
  • Experience with HRIS and payroll systems, reporting tools and process improvement initiatives.
  • Thorough knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, employment standards, income tax regulations, statutory remittances, pension legislation and payroll compliance requirements.
  • Advanced knowledge of payroll processing practices, procedures, controls and auditing principles.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
  • Expertise in critical decision-making, project management and process improvement.
  • High level of discretion and commitment to confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll and employee data.

Belonging Matters Here
AMA is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and accessible environment. If you require an accommodation at any time during our recruitment process, please contact . We’ll work with you feel supported throughout your journey with us.

-

WORK MODEL:

Hybrid-Light

-

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Alberta Motor Association

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Payroll Manager jobs: