Payroll Specialist Lead

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Payroll Specialist Lead based in Canada.

This is a senior payroll operations role focused on delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll services in a globally distributed environment. You will take ownership of day-to-day payroll operations while driving improvements that strengthen efficiency, consistency, and service quality. The role combines operational leadership with process optimization, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic problem-solving. You will help improve internal resources, workflows, and support systems while mentoring colleagues and sharing payroll expertise across teams. Working closely with international stakeholders and clients, you will help resolve complex issues and build scalable, long-term solutions. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who thrives in an autonomous, asynchronous, and continuously evolving workplace.

Accountabilities

• Lead accurate and timely payroll operations: Execute assigned payroll activities with a high level of precision and accountability, consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining strong accuracy while implementing appropriate checks and controls to support compliance and operational standards.
• Manage the payroll support workflow: Take ownership of the Zendesk ticketing queue, ensuring requests are appropriately assigned and followed through while identifying recurring issues, addressing root causes, and reducing future escalations.
• Optimize SOPs and internal resources: Maintain and continuously improve standard operating procedures, checklists, documentation, and internal knowledge resources to promote consistency, efficiency, and alignment with best practices.
• Drive training and knowledge sharing: Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to colleagues across payroll and adjacent teams, helping standardize processes, strengthen capabilities, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Solve complex problems proactively: Investigate operational challenges, make informed decisions independently, and recommend solutions that deliver sustainable improvements beyond individual cases or immediate team needs.
• Support global clients and stakeholders: Provide high-quality payroll support across regions, manage follow-ups effectively, communicate complex matters clearly, and build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives: Participate in global testing, operational projects, and process improvement initiatives, collaborating with teams across the organization through tools such as Slack and other digital platforms.
• Contribute to operational excellence: Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve productivity, strengthen service delivery, and support broader business objectives through continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Payroll experience: Several years of experience in regional or global payroll operations, with a strong understanding of end-to-end payroll processes and global payroll best practices.
• Canadian payroll expertise: Demonstrated experience processing payroll for Canada, including familiarity with relevant payroll requirements, processes, and operational considerations.
• Large-scale payroll experience: Experience supporting payroll populations of more than 1,500 employees is highly relevant to the role.
• Leadership approach: Ability to lead and influence others through an empowering, hands-off management style that encourages ownership, collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Technical proficiency: Strong working knowledge of payroll and productivity tools, including SAP, Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets, with the ability to use technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Analytical problem-solving: Strong analytical capabilities and sound judgment, with the ability to investigate complex payroll issues, identify root causes, and develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Process improvement mindset: Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies, optimize workflows, improve internal documentation, and drive measurable operational improvements.
• Stakeholder management: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, leadership, and cross-functional teams across different regions.
• Adaptability and ownership: Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, international environment, taking initiative, managing competing priorities, and adapting quickly to changing requirements.
• Remote collaboration: Comfortable working asynchronously within a globally distributed team and using digital collaboration tools to maintain effective communication and execution.
• Language skills: Fluent written and spoken English.

Benefits

• Salary: Annual salary range of $66,550-$112,300 USD, with final compensation determined by location, experience, skills, training, business needs, and market conditions.
• Work from anywhere: Fully remote working model with the flexibility to work from an eligible location.
• Flexible working hours: Asynchronous work culture designed to provide greater autonomy over your schedule and support work-life balance.
• Flexible paid time off: Time-off approach designed to give employees flexibility to manage work and personal commitments.
• Parental leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Home office support: Home office budget and IT equipment, plus support for setting up an effective remote workspace.
• Learning and wellness: Budget available for learning, professional development, wellness initiatives, and co-working spaces, including gym memberships.
• Mental health support: Access to mental health support services.
• Equity: Stock option opportunities.
• Career development: Opportunities to grow professionally within a globally distributed organization and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.
• Inclusive workplace: A culture that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Remote-first culture: An environment centered on autonomy, trust, ownership, and sustainable work-life balance.