Payroll Manager

Are you a strong Payroll leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments? Are passionate about driving growth while delivering peace of mind to your clients? Are you looking to be a part of a growing team and company?

The Universal Group, recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed companies in 2025, has exciting opportunity in Payroll department. As a Payroll Manager, you will be responsible for establishing and guiding a resilient and efficient Payroll Department that consistently meets performance standards. This role plays a pivotal part in aligning the finance function as a strategic business partner within the organization. Emphasizing the importance of timely and precise payroll processing, the individual in this role demonstrates adaptability, sound business acumen, a firm commitment to financial control, and analytical prowess.

What you will be responsible for: Payroll Process Strengthening and Management

Strengthen controls of payroll processes, including reviewing and signing off on entity-based biweekly reasonability tests, documenting reasons for biweekly pay >$3K for traffic control workers, and devising analytics to capture predictable errors.

Maintain hourly controls to detect data input and system errors, building additional controls as needed, and ensuring utility to interface worked hours to ADP.

Special Projects and Integration

Lead ADP implementation project, business initiatives, and other ad hoc tasks as required.

Support the integration process of acquired companies and working towards a shared services model under the parent company

Working with different regions (Canada and USA) and developing consistent processes throughout the company

Team Performance and Management

Establish and monitor team performance by developing goals, assigning accountabilities, setting objectives, establishing priorities, and reporting on performance.

Apply corrective actions as required and manage departmental salaries to ensure consistency and fairness.

Process Improvement and Efficiency

Identify opportunities within the organization to strengthen the business.

Improve operational systems, processes, and policies to better support management reporting, information flow, business processes, and organizational planning.

Enhance effectiveness and efficiency by coordinating and communicating with stakeholders and ensuring an efficient departmental structure.

Compliance and Stakeholder Relationships

Deliver and enforce strong internal controls to safeguard company assets.

Ensure the timely and accurate application of current collective agreement terms.

Establish a foundation for Payroll Processes in line with the new Workforce Platform and ERP.

Provide necessary maintenance to systems, including users, payroll taxable items, rates, and reports.

Cultivate confidence and serve as an informed, capable, knowledgeable, and accessible resource for the organization.

Promote a higher level of professionalism and integrity in financial disclosure.

Develop and maintain positive relationships with key internal stakeholders, positioning the finance function as a strategic business partner.

What you get from us:

Extended Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits.

Access to Employee Assistance Program.

Paid Vacation and RRSP.

Access to a growing organization with lots of advancement opportunities.

An amazing culture where you will feel supported and recognized for your work.

What we need from you:

Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll and accounting, with a demonstrated career progression into leadership roles.

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) and Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designations are considered an asset.

Previous experience in banking and treasury functions.

Proven track record in accounting-related projects.

Familiarity with Shared Services structure and experience with high-volume invoicing.

Experience in ADP is a must.

Strong computer skills, including proficiency in business software applications.

Knowledge of QuickBooks is considered a major asset.

Why Universal Group? The Universal Group is driven by our purpose to provide Peace of Mind to both our clients and team members. Our people embrace our core values of being ‘Passionate, Authentic, and Driven’ in everything we do and in every decision we make every day. They are the fabric of who we are and, without question, the reason for our success and continued growth.

The safety of our team members and the public is what drives us every day.

The Universal Group is an industry leader in traffic control services, traffic management planning, traffic equipment supply, landscaping, temporary labour and occupational health and safety training. We are a one-stop shop, as our full suite of services ensures that we can manage projects from conception to completion.

Our Commitment to Diversity The Universal Group is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

Apply today; we can’t wait to hear from you. Come grow with us!

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