Manager, Payroll

Duties:

Reporting to the Manager, HR Systems, Analytics and Compensation, and leading a team of five, the Payroll Manager is responsible to direct and coordinate VIU's payroll function. Plan, direct and coordinate the preparation and execution of VIU's biweekly payroll in an accurate and timely manner while ensuring compliance with tax laws, federal/provincial regulations, union agreements, superannuation rules and University policy. Ensure the payroll processes and procedures have strong internal controls and are carried out in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible. Utilizing strong technical skills act as the owner of the payroll system and continually explore opportunities for the improvement of the payroll function to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Manage the development, implementation, and administration of payroll systems and procedures. Oversee, monitor, and maintain quality controls over payroll data to ensure payroll transactions and payroll commitments are posted promptly and to facilitate the production of accurate and timely reporting.

Use strong leadership and team building skills to foster a cooperative and respectful working environment. Supervise departmental staff including hiring, training, work allocation, and problem resolution. Evaluate performance and make recommendations for personnel actions. Motivate employees to achieve peak productivity and performance and encourage participation in professional development activities.

Oversee and coordinate the planning, implementation, and administration of programs to develop, adjust, and/or enhance payroll systems and procedures to continuously improve efficiency and effectiveness. Provide subject matter expertise, test, and implement new system products, new releases and systems change requests. Consult with internal and external resources to ensure implementation is completed effectively. Participate in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develop and implement projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll issues including legislation, rules and regulations of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, and the Pension Corporation of BC and apply all changes within the payroll systems as required. Correspond and liaise with outside agencies on University payroll issues. Responsible to facilitate and direct contact on all Payroll audits. Interpret and apply complex Federal and Provincial regulations, union agreements and University policies to respond to legal requests, court orders, special agreements and other payroll related issues.

Develop and conduct training and provide technical advice and direction to system users regarding data entry policies, procedures and system changes. Communicate with and train the University community on various payroll and taxation issues. Support HR and the Budget Office in labour cost analyses for the University to facilitate decision making. Develop and maintain numerous payroll related reports for internal and external reporting.

Plan and prepare appropriate year end accrual, reconciliation, and variance analysis reports. Liaise with auditors to fulfill year end audit requirements. Plan, coordinated, prepare and distribute all employee tax statements and notifications as required by law.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution, Payroll Leadership Professional designation from the National Payroll Institute. Minimum five years current, relevant management experience in a complex, high volume, computerized payroll environment. Experience working with enterprise resource planning systems (integrated financial, human resources and payroll systems). Working knowledge of Microsoft 365. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Proven leadership and supervisory abilities including performance management and staff development experience.
• Strong analytical aptitude with proven problem-solving skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Ability to take initiative to solve problems and remain open to new ideas and approaches.
• Accuracy of work and attention to detail are essential.
• Effective communication skills and ability to convey financial information to individuals with varying degrees of familiarity with technical terminology.
• Positive attitude and ability to exercise tact, discretion, confidentiality, and good judgment and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in a post-secondary institution or a publicly funded organization of similar size, and to candidates with payroll experience in a unionized environment.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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