Payroll Manager - Global Operations at FreeBalance · Ottawa

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee and optimize our global payroll operations across multiple countries. As a key member of the Finance team, you will ensure the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll while serving as the critical link between Finance, Human Resources, and external payroll providers.

This role requires expertise in international payroll regulations, strong analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. You will play a pivotal role in supporting our global workforce by ensuring payroll excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement.

Main Responsibilities:

• Global Payroll Management

  • Manage end-to-end payroll operations for employees across multiple countries and jurisdictions.

  • Ensure payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with local tax, labour, and statutory regulations.

  • Coordinate with global payroll vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent service delivery.

  • Maintain payroll calendars and oversee payroll activities across different time zones.

  • Validate payroll data, reconciliations, deductions, bonuses, commissions, equity compensation, and year-end reporting.

    Finance & Human Resources Partnership

    • Serve as the primary liaison between Finance and Human Resources to ensure employee data changes are accurately reflected in payroll.

    • Collaborate with HR on employee onboarding, offboarding, promotions, compensation changes, and benefits administration.

    • Partner with Finance to support payroll accounting, accruals, reconciliations, audits, and month-end and year-end close activities.

    • Ensure payroll data aligns with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting requirements.

      Compliance & Risk Management

      • Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll across all operating countries.

      • Ensure compliance with employment standards, tax regulations, pension requirements, and statutory filings.

      • Coordinate internal and external payroll audits.

      • Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard confidential employee information.

        Systems & Process Improvement

        • Manage payroll systems and integrations with HRIS, ERP, and finance systems.

        • Identify opportunities to automate and improve payroll processes, reporting, and controls.

        • Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation.

        • Support system implementations, upgrades, and international expansion initiatives.

          Reporting & Analytics

          • Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and executive leadership.

          • Analyze payroll trends, labour costs, and headcount metrics.

          • Support budgeting, forecasting, and workforce planning through accurate payroll data.

            Leadership

            • Lead and mentor payroll team members where applicable.
            • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and customer service.
            • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external payroll partners worldwide.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant international payroll management.
  • Experience managing payroll across multiple countries and currencies.
  • Strong understanding of payroll legislation, taxation, employment standards, and compliance requirements.
  • Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and ERP systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Dayforce, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting skills.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Finance, HR, Legal, and business leaders.
  • Experience with payroll process automation and systems implementation.

    **Key Competencies**
    - Global payroll expertise
    - Financial acumen
    - HR partnership
    - Regulatory compliance
    - Process improvement
    - Leadership and coaching
    - Cross-cultural communication
    - Project management
    - Attention to detail
    - Confidentiality and integrity
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We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. FreeBalance is an inclusive employer dedicated to building a diverse workforce to increase the representation of the designated groups based on each country’s legislation. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective labour law throughout all stages of the recruitment process.