Payroll Specialist Lead - Canada

Overview

This role is responsible for leading accurate and timely payroll operations. The Payroll Specialist Lead ensures payroll deadlines are consistently met with high accuracy, drives operational improvements, and partners cross-functionally to enhance long-term efficiency. The position also includes training and mentorship across teams and global client support and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver payroll with precision and accountability by consistently meeting >99% of deadlines for assigned tasks while maintaining an accuracy rate of >99.5%.
• Implement strategic checks and controls to support compliance with regulatory standards and continuously refine processes to meet broader business goals.
• Manage and optimize the ticketing system (Zendesk) by:
  • Owning the Zendesk queue with strategic oversight
  • Ensuring tickets are assigned within 24 hours
  • Identifying trends or recurring issues and addressing root causes to prevent future escalations
• Strategically own and optimize SOPs and internal resources:
  • Maintain SOPs, checklists, and internal resources
  • Lead efforts to update and improve documentation across teams, aligned with company goals and best practices
• Provide cross-team training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing:
  • Offer training and mentorship across teams, including Implementation and PCST, to standardize best practices
  • Support personal development through ongoing learning and knowledge sharing
  • Foster continuous learning and improvement to drive operational excellence
• Drive proactive decision-making and initiative by resolving issues independently when possible and proposing solutions with broader operational impact.
• Provide global client support, communication, and stakeholder management by delivering efficient follow-ups and problem-solving, building relationships across stakeholder groups, and serving as a trusted advisor in complex situations.
• Lead global testing, projects, and cross-functional engagement:
  • Participate in global testing and high-impact projects
  • Provide insights and leadership beyond the immediate team or region
  • Collaborate with other teams using tools like Slack, offering troubleshooting and guidance
  • Ensure measurable results and strong cross-department communication

Requirements

• Several years of regional or global payroll operations experience, with a solid understanding of global payroll best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including a hands-off approach that empowers individuals without micromanaging while fostering collaboration.
• Proficiency with payroll software and productivity tools, including SAP, Excel, and Google Sheets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex challenges and find innovative solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced international environment and adapt quickly to change.
• A continuous improvement mindset focused on productivity, process streamlining, and efficiency.
• Comfort working asynchronously in a globally distributed team.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training and mentoring across teams.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and global testing efforts.
• Experience using ticketing systems (Zendesk) for operational oversight.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary range (full-time): $66,550—$112,300 USD
• Benefits/perks include:
  • Work from anywhere
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Flexible working hours (async)
  • 16 weeks paid parental leave
  • Budget toward co-working spaces, learning and wellness (including gym memberships)
  • Mental health support services
  • Stock options
  • Home office budget & IT equipment

Location

• United States or Canada

Additional Information

• Start date: As soon as possible
• Reports to: Manager, Payroll Operations
• Team: Payroll Operations
• Application process: Roughly 2 hours across 3 weeks
  • Interview with recruiter
  • Interview with future manager
  • Interview with Senior Manager, Payroll Operations
  • Bar Raiser Interview
  • Prior employment verification check (voluntary portion indicated in the application process)
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Application Requirements

• Submit your application and CV in English.
• Upload a PDF CV.
• If you don’t have an up-to-date CV, you may submit a copy of your LinkedIn profile instead.
• Candidates may be asked to voluntarily tell the recruiter their pronouns at the interview stage and may have the option to answer an anonymous demographic questionnaire when applying.
• Accommodation requests can be made during the interview process and beyond through the recruiter.