Manager, Payroll

Who we are:

Fairstone Bank and its family of brands are united in delivering innovative, accessible and reliable financial solutions that enable Canadians to reach their goals. Over the years, our brand family has grown. In 2024, Home Trust Company, Home Bank and Oaken Financial became part of the Fairstone Bank family of brands, alongside Fairstone, EdenPark and Fig.

Together, we are the leading alternative lending bank in Canada. We have the collective experience and expertise to better serve our customers and foster our partners' growth. With a diverse suite of products—residential and commercial mortgages, consumer deposits and GICs, credit cards, retail and automobile financing, personal loans and digital lending—we offer financial solutions tailored to all Canadians, including newcomers, small-business owners, smart investors and savvy consumers.

Backed by nearly a century of lending experience through its legacy companies, Fairstone Bank and its brand family are proud to be Canada's leading alternative lending bank. ​

About the role:

As part of the People and Culture team, the Manager, Payroll will be responsible for maintaining the company's payroll system (Workday ) and assist in the bi-weekly payroll production for 2,500+ employees over 250 locations across Canada, and three payroll entities.

The Manager, Payroll will play a key role in maintaining payroll and data integrity for our employee data base. 

The Manager, Payroll performs human resources related duties at the professional level to implement daily activities and provide excellent customer service to internal and external clients as well as customers in assigned areas including Payroll, HRIS, Benefits, Compensation, and the application of policies and procedures in accordance with the mission, and core values, of the Company. The incumbent will manage two direct reports to efficiently execute payroll operations, and will partner with our HRIS Digitalization Team to test and deliver Payroll compliance system integration.

Responsibilities:

• Full cycle preparation and review of the bi-weekly Payroll for approximately 2,500 employees across Canada within 3 payroll entities.
• Prepare off payroll cycles upon request.
• Audit data integrity between Workday HRIS and Payroll to ensure the data is in sync on a quarterly and annual basis; process all necessary corrections.
• Prepare third-party remittance requisitions, reporting, file submissions and reconciliations.
• Verify payroll tax remittances and third-party remittances against supporting payroll records.
• Audit and validate timesheet balances on a bi-weekly basis and prepare adjustment entries to clear out balances for terminated employees.
• Administer payroll adjustments and updates. Liaise with Finance on G/L inquiries and escalations.
• Ensure that all pay codes follow the Federal and Provincial Tax Laws and regulations.
• Ongoing collaboration with HR and HRIS teams for new hires, transfers/promotions, terminations, ROEs, incentive payments, benefit and retirement integrations, and more.
• Partner with Internal and External Business Partners to test new functional system enhancements, system updates and integrations.
• Participate in and contribute as a SME to the testing of Workday Payroll and Time absence platforms.
• Ensure high level customer service and respond to employee inquiries in a timely manner, regarding payroll and benefits practice and policies.
• Trouble-shoot and find solutions to resolve employee payroll concerns. 
• Lead Year-end processing, annual government filings and reconciliations.
• Contribute to special projects and implementation of payroll changes required by legislations.
• Work with the team to provide guidance and feedback to improve payroll processes.
• Ensure accuracy and up-to-date data for retired employees.
• Generate Ad Hoc reports as requested and based on the needs of the business.
• Consistent outlook to enhance  automation to maximize efficiency of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, finance, accounting, administration, or related field.
• 7-10 years of work experience in HRIS and Payroll, and several years of supervisory experience, and experience in dealing with government legislative teams (CRA, Revenue Quebec, et)
• High level knowledge and current experience with Workday Payroll - required
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills (Both French and English communication skills required).
• Proficient in MS Excel including advanced formulas functions (Vlookups, Pivot tables, IF statements).
• Knowledge of Canadian labour/tax laws and legislative changes are required.
• Experience with Accounting processes and month-end close including Journal entries and reconciliations as it relates to payroll.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge.
• Ability to work and lead effectively within a team environment and independently in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) and/or Certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) from the National Payroll Institute (NPI) is an asset.

What you'll love about working here:

• Award-Winning Culture: We're proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work Canada 2025 and one of Montreal's Top Employers 2025 by Canada's Top 100 Employers.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid work model designed to support your lifestyle.
• Time to Recharge: Generous vacation based on your role, statutory holidays, plus 6 wellness days to prioritize your well-being.
• Compensation Package: Competitive base salary plus an annual incentive bonus tied to performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Robust health and dental coverage through Manulife, as well as virtual healthcare through Dialogue.
• Future-Ready Savings: Group Retirement Savings Plan with up to 7% employer match.
• Exclusive Perks: Discounts from top retailers via WorkPerks, plus location-based perks like gym memberships and Toronto Bike Share.
• On-Site Fitness: Gym access at our London and Montreal offices.
• Continuous Growth: Education Assistance Program and Fairstone Academy for training and skill development
• Family Support: Parental leave top-up program to help you during life's big moments.
• Community Impact: One paid volunteer day to give back to causes that matter to you.
• For more information on who we are as an employer click here.

If what you read excites you, we'd like to hear from you Please submit your application and we'll contact you if you become selected for first stages of the interview process.

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If you have a preferred language for communication, please kindly inform us whether you prefer French or English on your application.

Fairstone is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, we will make reasonable accommodations to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Individuals who view themselves as Aboriginals, members of visible minorities, and disabled are encouraged to apply in confidence.

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