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Payroll Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Payroll Manager, or Payroll Supervisor, is someone who makes sure all of the employees within an organization are paid on time and correctly. A Payroll Manager’s main responsibilities include managing all aspects of the payroll system, leading and training a team of payroll administrators, and ensuring all payroll accounting procedures are accurate.

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Payroll Manager duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Payroll Manager, it’s important to specify the role’s main functions. Some of the most important duties and responsibilities required by a Payroll Manager include:

  • Preparing reports by compiling summaries of company earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability payments, and non-taxable wages
  • Preparing year-end employee tax slips or forms and submitting government filings to meet deadlines
  • Identifying any areas of improvement within the payroll process and leading the implementation of new payroll processes and systems
  • Maintaining confidential information by adhering to legal and ethical standards
  • Leading the payroll team of administrators, which may include delegating, reviewing work, training, and coaching
  • Working with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure the benefits and payroll services are delivered at best practice standards
  • Monitoring and analyzing expenses against the benefits budget to help prepare cost forecasts and budgets
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Payroll Manager Job Description Examples:

What does a Payroll Manager do?

A Payroll Manager is mainly responsible for the payroll system within an organization and ensures that employees are paid the correct amount of money on time. They are also responsible for ensuring all regulatory and legislative compliance procedures are performed correctly and accurately for payroll. A Payroll Manager may also be responsible for planning, developing, and organizing new business procedures related to payroll.

It is also common for the Payroll Manager to be responsible for hiring, training, and overseeing other payroll team members such as Payroll Specialists. In some cases, a Payroll Manager may also be required to provide input on contracts to ensure all mentions of payroll services are accurate.

Payroll Manager skills and qualifications

A successful Payroll Manager candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for this job’s duties, including:

  • Knowledge of business finance including accounting principles and practices
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects or assignments at one time and ability to multi-task
  • Superb research and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining compliance and regulatory standards
  • Provide a balanced and common-sense approach to routine and complex issues
  • Work well while under pressure or in stressful situations

Payroll Manager experience requirements

Payroll Manager candidates generally need to have at least five years of payroll administration experience within a Canadian payroll system. It is also a good idea to look for someone who has at least three years of managerial or leadership experience. An ideal Payroll Manager candidate should also have experience in a similar industry to your company.

Payroll Manager education and training requirements

A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field should be preferred for the position. An ideal candidate may also hold a four-year college diploma in a similar field. All candidates should possess a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation and be up-to-date with all regulatory procedures.

Payroll Manager salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Payroll Manager in Canada is $83,108 per year. The salary can vary depending on many factors, including experience, location, or hiring company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Payroll Manager position isn’t quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:

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Payroll Manager job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Payroll Manager's resume?

When writing a job description for a Payroll Manager position, it is best to start with information about the organization. The job description should also include information about the kind of payroll or benefits system they will be overseeing as part of their role. A good job description will also include any required certifications or education requirements for the role.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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