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Purpose:
The University Services Centre (USC) plays a pivotal role in advancing York University's strategic commitment to Service Excellence. As a centralized, client-focused service delivery model, the USC provides a unique opportunity for York University to develop and deliver services that are consistent, streamlined, and client centric while strategically leveraging technology. The USC reflects York's dedication to operational efficiency, accountability, and trust, underpinned by data-informed culture and simplified service processes.
The Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefit Services role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the University's Payroll, Pension, Benefits, and Employee Records portfolios. The role is accountable for ensuring the accurate and compliant delivery of services to over 11,000 employees within a complex, multi-union environment, while maintaining compliance with legislation, collective agreements, and institutional policies.
As a key driver of continuous improvement, the role champions the use of technology, fosters a culture of service excellence, and promotes collaboration and innovation. The role ensures alignment with the University's values of commitment to decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and client service. Through exemplary communication and cross-functional engagement, the role reinforces ethical conduct and institutional partnership.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as business administration, human resource management.
Current Canadian Payroll Management Certification from the National Payroll Institute.
Experience:
6 years of related experience.
4 years of management experience.
Experience in payroll management in a large, unionized, automated, high-volume payroll, benefits, pension, environment, including 2 years in payroll accounting.
Knowledge:
Advanced knowledge of payroll, pension, and benefits principles, applying regulatory frameworks to ensure operational compliance and strategic alignment with legislative mandates.
Deep knowledge and expertise in automated payroll, pension, benefits, and human resources information system, such as, PeopleSoft, leveraging system capabilities to optimize service delivery and data integrity.
Comprehensive knowledge of HR policies and collective agreements to manage payroll, pension, benefits, and staffing matters with precision and consistency.
payroll, pension, benefits, information and handle staffing issues.
Authoritative knowledge of relevant legislation, such as, the Income Tax Act, Employment Standards Act, Garnishee Act, Bankruptcy Act, Family Support Act, Pension Benefits Standard Act, and Bill C-47, to ensure accurate and compliant employee payments and deductions.
Knowledge of external agencies and resources, such as, Revenue Canada, Statistics Canada, Service Canada, Canada Pension Plan, Social/Welfare Services, and payroll vendors to monitor legislative changes, validate compliance, and inform system changes/upgrades.
Skills:
Proven leadership in building, mentoring, and managing high-performing, diverse teams. Inspires a culture of collaboration, innovation, and service excellence across complex organizational environments.
Effective problem solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess multifaceted challenges, identify root causes, and implement sustainable, high impact solutions.
Demonstrated success in designing and executing strategic initiatives that align with institutional goals and drive continuous improvement and operational transformation.
Exceptional people skills and stakeholder engagement skills, with a strong service orientation and the ability to navigate high-volume, demanding environments with agility and focus.
Advanced communication skills, including the ability to deliver institution-wide messaging and educational content on complex payroll, pension and benefits topics with clarity and influence.
Skilled in facilitating high stakes dispute resolution and sensitive negotiations with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring fair and timely outcomes.
Strong written communications skills to develop policy drafts, strategic proposals, educational materials, community updates and nuanced correspondence.
Adept at fostering trust, building cross-functional relationships, and engaging stakeholders across all levels of the institution.
Highly effective in managing multiple concurrent projects, meeting tight deadlines and balancing competing priorities in dynamic environments.
Technologically proficient with HRIS/Payroll systems (preferably PeopleSoft) and advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite.
Additional Notes:
Note: Verification of degree(s)/credential(s) required.
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.
We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.
York University employees must apply to jobs through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire. If you are a current York University employee and/or are using your rights under a collective agreement to view and/or apply to jobs, you MUST log into YU Hire to access the York University Employee Career Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.