Manager, International Payroll

Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.

Reporting to the Senior Director Human Resources, the Manager, International Payroll is responsible for all aspects of payroll processing, compliance, recording of payroll costs and regulations for international payroll functions in 37 countries located in LATAM, EMEAI, and APAC. They will ensure strong governance, internal controls and adherence to accounting policies, and lead and support various department initiatives involving budgeting and forecasting, process improvement, automation, and systems implementation for these international locations.

This role requires a strong understanding of global payroll regulations, excellent leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex payroll scenarios across different jurisdictions.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing and General Accounting

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for 37 countries in LATAM, EMEAI and APAC and ensure timely payment of all corporate and sales office payrolls. This includes review of payroll data for payrolls processed by third parties on behalf of the Company, and initiating net pay cash funding via online banking systems.
• Responsible for Global payroll workflows, processes and approvals to ensure accuracy of payment and data input from HRIS (PeopleSoft) and other external payroll software or sources into the payroll processing systems, maintain the manual pay system for certain offices, and accurate booking of data.
• Review and approve payroll processing reports, spot check changes against source information, document process gaps and findings. Use this information to adjust and optimize the workflow and process.
• Ensure Air Canada offices in international locations and others adhere to all payroll and remittance guidelines set out by the relevant regulatory bodies, and other national, provincial / state and local employment and tax agencies. Research and adopt new requirements as appropriate, advise management on impact and recommendations.
• Process or liaise with the third-party vendor on issuance of employee forms, including tax forms, and other required government filings.
• Coordinate year-end payroll processes, including tax reporting, annual statements, and compliance filings for each country.

Process Improvement, Automation, and Data Integrity

• Lead / support systems implementation (e.g., ADP Celergo, Workforce Manager) for new and existing payroll locations, leverage opportunities to streamline and improve processes and controls.
• Update and document payroll processes and internal controls to standardize input and processes across global entities promoting efficient workflow and reliable data.
• Identify where payroll information conflicts with the data in HRIS to determine areas that require review and/or updating.
• Stay updated with global payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements for each jurisdiction.
• Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accuracy, compliance, and data security.
• Implement payroll system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Conduct periodic payroll audits to ensure data accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve any payroll-related issues.
• Stay updated with industry best practices and emerging trends in global payroll management.
• Provide guidance and support to HR, finance, and tax teams regarding payroll processes, compliance, and reporting.
• Develop and deliver payroll training programs to ensure awareness and understanding of payroll policies and procedures.
• Oversee the preparation of payroll-related reports and metrics, including analysis of payroll costs and key performance indicators, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

Staffing/Leadership

• Serve as key point of contact for employee payroll enquiries in 37 countries worldwide.
• Work with a high-performance team, contributing to develop staff knowledge and skills.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationship with the staff in the international locations.
• Lead and manage a team of payroll professionals, providing mentorship, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree with focus in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, International Business, or Business-related disciplines.
• 7+ years of experience in payroll administration and management, with at least 3+ years in a global or multi country payroll management role.
• CPP, CPM or PLP designation or working towards CPP, CPM or PLP designation (Preferred).
• International Payroll designation is an asset.
• CPA Designation or working towards CPA Designation (optional).
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements in multiple countries, keeping abreast with payroll legislative updates, adhering to compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of international payroll and expatriate tax implications, pertaining to international employee relocations (ex. familiarity with taxability of company paid relocation expenses, and employee tax equalizations, net vs gross methodologies, etc).
• Strong understanding of multi-year (grant to vest) compensation plans, and relevant accounting implications for accrual vs payment purposes.
• Experience with payroll software and systems (ex. ADP); proficiency with HRIS and ERP systems is desirable.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (ex. proficiency with vlookup, xlookup, pivot, and other Excel functionalities)
• Knowledge of another language associated with one or more of the international offices preferred but not required (i.e. French, German, Cantonese).
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure to meet on going tight deadlines and deliverables.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, working closely with the payroll team, interacting with Finance, People & Culture, Total Rewards, external vendor relationships and government bodies.
• In-depth knowledge of global payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements for various jurisdictions.
• Strong understanding of statutory deductions, tax rates, social security requirements, and benefits regulations in different countries.
• Experience working with international payroll service providers and managing relationships with external vendors.
• Proficiency in using payroll software or systems for end-to-end payroll processing.
• Professional and courteous attitude; exercise discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent communication skills; verbally articulate with strong written composition with high degree of diplomacy and tact.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in processing complex payroll scenarios across different jurisdictions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to handle complex payroll calculations and reconciliations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple payrolls and deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to lead and motivate a diverse team of payroll professionals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of data protection regulations and confidentiality requirements in handling employee information.
• Ability to adapt to changing payroll requirements across different countries and regions.
• Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with changes in global payroll regulations and best practices.

This role will be a Hybrid working model

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest, at the time any offer of employment is made and seeking any required work permits/visas or other authorizations which may be required is the sole responsibility of the candidates applying for this position.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.