Assistant Manager, Payroll Services

The City of Burnaby is seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Assistant Manager, Payroll Services to join our Payroll Services team. Reporting to the Manager, Payroll Services, this role is responsible for overseeing the completion of City payroll, financial payroll postings, and the preparation of complex regulatory and statutory reports for governing bodies. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, implementing, and reviewing payroll policies, procedures, standards, and business processes to ensure optimal use of the City's payroll system. This includes participating in system testing and recommending solutions to improve automation and resolve technical issues.

In this role, you will manage payroll reconciliation and related general ledger accounts, and address complex payroll matters involving labour relations, statutory and legislative requirements, and policy interpretation. You will also serve as the primary payroll resource during collective bargaining, providing financial costing and statistical analysis of agreement proposals. Additional responsibilities include setting annual goals for the payroll department, recommending and supporting the implementation of financial systems related to payroll, and leading improvements to corporate payroll policies and practices. The Assistant Manager will oversee the production of biweekly payroll for union and exempt staff, and manage reporting and analysis across multiple ERP, statistical, and financial systems. Experience in financial costing of labour relations and compensation items, forecasting benefit costs, and conducting budget-to-actual variance analysis is essential. The role also involves reporting and analyzing data such as sick time, vacation usage, benefit coverage, superannuation, and headcount. Performs related work as required.

Qualifications include completion of the Chartered Professional Accountant Common Final Exam or Canadian Payroll Associations Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) certification combined with completion of an Accounting Certificate or diploma, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A minimum of 1–3 years of progressive supervisory experience in a computerized, multi-union payroll environment is required. This position requires strong leadership skills to guide a team of 3–10 professional and clerical staff, including recruitment, , training, coaching, and performance management. Thorough knowledge of federal and provincial laws, City policies, and collective agreements related to payroll is essential, as is experience with SAP HR/Payroll or similar ERP systems. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead and motivate teams, resolve conflicts, communicate complex payroll issues clearly, and build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization. Proficiency in payroll-related software applications and a valid Driver's Licence for the Province of British Columbia are required.

This competition will remain open until filled - first consideration given to those who apply by August 29, 2025.

We respectfully acknowledge that the City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Peoples (Kwikwetlem). Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city. We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors have occupied and used these lands, including parts of present-day Burnaby, for thousands of years. We are grateful to be on this territory as we dedicate ourselves to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects our vibrant community and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences.

Copies of relevant professional certificates, degrees, or tickets will be required at the time of the interview. 

Please contact People and Culture at if you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of submitting your application online. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.