Payroll Lead

The opportunity

The Payroll Lead is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of global payroll activities, including Canada benefits and pension administration. This is a hands-on role for an experienced payroll professional who can independently manage complex payroll work while helping guide the day-to-day delivery of a small team. The successful candidate will bring strong technical depth, sound judgment and the ability to step into broader operational and stakeholder responsibilities when needed.

The role manages payroll operations and vendor service delivery, executes established governance and controls, and supports continuous improvement and payroll enhancements in partnership with People Operations, Total Rewards, Finance, Technology and Audit. The incumbent escalates complex compliance, financial and cross-border issues as required and supports initiatives that improve accuracy, service and efficiency.

Who you'll work with

The Payroll Lead reports to the Senior Manager and works closely with a Senior Specialist, Payroll, People Operations, Total Rewards, Finance, and Technology and Insights & Systems (to deliver accurate and compliant payroll outcomes. The role partners with external payroll vendors and providers (e.g., benefits and pension administrators) and supports audits and statutory reporting requirements.

What you'll do

Manages day-to-day payroll processing and delivery, including payroll calendars, year-end activities, audit schedules, Finance GL reporting, and required tax filing activities, in partnership with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Executes and maintains established payroll controls and risk management practices (e.g., reconciliations, segregation of duties, issue logs and audit requests) and escalates compliance risks and control gaps appropriately.

Supports payroll enhancements and automation initiatives in partnership with Technology and vendors by gathering requirements, coordinating testing/UAT, supporting rollout communications, and assisting with post implementation stabilization.

Manages day-to-day vendor service delivery and relationship management; tracks KPIs/SLAs, maintains issue logs, and supports remediation and continuous improvement activities with guidance from the Senior Manager, Payroll.

• •Operates as a senior technical resource within the team, taking ownership of complex payroll issues and providing coverage for selected Senior Manager responsibilities as needed.
• •Coaches the payroll team to meet service, accuracy and control expectations; supports onboarding, training, and documentation to enable consistent execution of standard work. Option:Provides coaching and technical guidance to a Senior Specialist, while remaining actively involved in payroll delivery and issue resolution.
• •Coordinates responses to government body inquiries and audits, and ensures reporting and remittances are completed accurately and on time (e.g., tax authorities, insurance carriers, pension providers, unions and other vendors as applicable).

Resolves escalated payroll issues and exceptions and coordinates with Finance, Total Rewards, vendors and external advisors as needed; escalates complex cross-border, tax, compliance, or material financial issues.

Prepares and monitors payroll reporting and KPIs (e.g., accuracy, timeliness, exceptions, root-cause trends) and flags risks and improvement opportunities to leadership.

Supports broader P&C initiatives and cross-functional projects as assigned by the Director, People Operations (e.g., system releases, policy changes, controls enhancements, or operating model updates).

Champions continuous learning and innovation by keeping abreast of emerging payroll technologies and system capabilities, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance automation.

Manages team capacity and workload planning to meet payroll cycles, year-end peaks and project demand; balances BAU delivery with assigned improvement work.

Maintains cross-training and coverage plans to ensure continuity during payroll cycles, vacations and absences.

Participates in vendor governance reviews; prepares materials, tracks KPIs/SLAs, manages day-to-day follow-up on issue logs and remediation actions, and escalates service concerns.

Makes day-to-day decisions within established payroll policies, procedures and controls to ensure accurate and compliant payroll delivery; escalates exceptions and elevated risk items.

Recommends process changes and operational workarounds and coordinates vendor remediation activities; obtains approval for material changes from the Director, People Operations.

Escalates compliance, financial, or reputational risks promptly; provides analysis and options to support leadership decision making.

What you'll need

Typically 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including experience in a complex, multi-country and/or Canadian-based organization

Post-secondary degree or equivalent; Finance, HR, Business, or a related field is preferred

Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, statutory reporting, and compliance requirements in relevant jurisdictions (including Canada)

• •Experience providing day-to-day work direction, technical guidance or informal leadership to colleagues, combined with a strong willingness to remain hands-on. Demonstrated readiness to broaden leadership scope while continuing to personally execute detailed and complex payroll work.
• •Demonstrated ability to build strong, trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders and external vendors; effective vendor coordination and issue resolution skills

Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems; Workday experience is an asset

Strong communication and interpersonal skills supported by strong collaboration, adaptability, accountability and judgement

Exhibits a growth mindset, curiosity, and enthusiasm for leveraging technology to drive better outcomes.

Working knowledge of payroll and HR systems, reporting, and data management (e.g., Workday and ADP)

Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Strong planning and organizational skills to deliver to tight timelines and payroll cut-offs

Knowledge of payroll controls, reconciliations, and compliance practices; familiarity with cross-border payroll considerations is an asset

Experience supporting payroll system changes and releases (e.g., requirements input, testing/UAT, and implementation support)

Experience in payroll process improvement, standard work documentation, and supporting automation where appropriate

Demonstrated experience managing payroll operations, resolving escalations, and coordinating with Finance, HR partners, and vendors to deliver accurate and compliant results.

#LI-OTPP, #LI-AP1

What we’re offering


Pay-for-performance with base salary and annual incentive based on individual and enterprise performance.

The Base Salary range for this level is as follows:
$105,000 - $155,000.

Individual compensation and placement of this role in the range is based on different factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, demonstrated competencies, and internal equity as they relate to the role.

Numerous opportunities for professional growth and development

Comprehensive employer paid benefits coverage

Retirement income through a defined benefit pension plan

The opportunity to invest back into the fund through our Deferred Incentive Program

A flexible work environment combining in office collaboration and remote working

Competitive time off

Our Flexible Travel Program gives you the option to work abroad in another region/country for up to a month each year

Employee discount programs including Edvantage and Perkopolis

At Ontario Teachers', diversity is one of our core strengths. We take pride in ensuring that the people we hire and the culture we create, reflect an