At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
The Manager, Canadian Payroll Operations is responsible for CN's Canadian Payroll operations. The role is accountable for ensuring the accurate and timely execution of all day-to-day payroll-related activities and providing oversight over pension and benefits accounting and administration. The role ensures all transactions and filings adhere to regulatory and legislative requirements. Precise planning and timely execution of year-end activities is very critical for this position.
Main Responsibilities
Operations
Ensure timely, accurate and completeness in payroll processing of all payments to employees and vendors
Oversee the administration of various pension and benefits transactions
Ensure timely and accurate execution of year-end tax reporting cycle
Monitor and respond to payroll inquiries ensuring high customer satisfaction
Successfully deliver, through proper planning, on department initiatives and ad hoc requests
Participate in brainstorming sessions and workshops with key stakeholders to identify business objectives and improvements
Act as subject matter expert for Payroll system maintenance and enhancements
Continuously identify and recommend improvements for systems, technology, and processes to improve efficiency as well as the employee experience
Participate and offer concrete suggestions in the decision-making related to procedures, processes and system changes that affect Payroll results
Represent Payroll Accounting in key corporate initiatives
Facilitate and oversee the interpretation and sharing of payroll data
Compliance and Controls
Continuously monitor and maintain compliance with payroll legislation and tax law
Perform regular payroll reconciliations to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and compliance with audit requirements
Ensure all Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) documentation is accurate and kept up to date
Ensure all filings to the Canadian Tax Agencies are completed and filed on time and according to regulatory and legislative requirements
Identify potential risk situations within the scope of work, make recommendations and implement controls
Understand risks inherent in the operating area of Payroll Accounting and ensure appropriate actions and controls are in place, including the retention of all supporting documentation
Direction and Workload
Manage team performance and participate in the development of clear and comprehensive objectives ensuring team productivity aligns with department goals
Communicate targets, goals, results, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to direct reports
Monitor, coach and reward exceptional behavior and effort
Identify and develop top talent, empower team members to be accountable, provide cross-training opportunities, and stretch assignments
Coordinate staffing changes to ensure coverage of the entire portfolio of activities
Ensure proper resources are available and assigned to tasks
Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress.
Requirements
Experience
10+ years of progressive payroll experience within a large multinational firm
Experience in supervising and leading staff
Extensive experience and SAP expertise in using Human Resources, Payroll and Time modules
Education/Designation/Certification
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Payroll certifications (PCP and PLP)
Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) is an asset
Competencies
Applies critical thinking
Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
Demonstrates agility and drives change
Innovates
Collaborates with others and shares information
Sets direction and inspires others
Communicates with impact
Technical Skills/Knowledge
Excellent knowledge of Canadian Payroll rules and legislation
Strong knowledge of corporate & personal taxation, treasury & banking, financial planning & budgeting, and payroll related legal requirements
Knowledge of SAP and Business Warehouse (BW)
Extensive knowledge of Canadian and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP)
Knowledge of CN HR, Payroll and Time systems in use by Accounting and the ability to support other critical core systems (Crew Assignment and Timekeeping System (CATS), Kronos)
A solid understanding and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and SharePoint
Fluently Bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)
About CN
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.
CN is an employment equity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.