Header Details
Location: Ottawa, Ontario (On-site, 5 days per week)
Language: Professional proficiency in English, French strongly preferred.
Background Check Requirement: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada Secret Security Clearance, criminal background check required
About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a large, mission-driven organization in the security services sector to recruit a Manager, Pay, Benefits and Regulatory Compliance. This is a newly created leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, designed to bring payroll fully under HR and strengthen compliance, oversight, and modernization efforts.
Overseeing a biweekly payroll of approximately 3,500 employees across Ontario and Quebec, you will lead a dedicated team while serving as the in-house payroll subject matter expert. This role combines hands-on payroll execution with leadership, legislative interpretation, and process improvement in a complex environment that includes unionized and non-unionized workforces.
What’s In It for You
This is an opportunity to build and shape a function at a pivotal moment. You will work closely with senior HR leadership, contribute to modernization initiatives, and play a visible role in strengthening governance and compliance practices. The organization offers a collaborative culture, professional development support, generous paid time off, and a workplace that values accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Your Responsibilities
- You’ll oversee and execute full-cycle, biweekly payroll for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple jurisdictions.
- You’ll lead, coach, and support a team of payroll and benefits professionals, ensuring service excellence and operational stability.
- You’ll interpret and apply Ontario and Quebec payroll legislation, collective agreements, and regulatory requirements.
- You’ll act as the organization’s payroll SME, advising HR leadership on compliance risks and legislative updates.
- You’ll maintain audit readiness, oversee reconciliations and year-end reporting, and strengthen internal controls.
- You’ll identify opportunities to modernize systems and processes, supporting digital transformation initiatives.
- You’ll resolve complex payroll discrepancies and escalated inquiries with professionalism and sound judgment.
Skills and Qualifications
- 7+ years of payroll and benefits experience, including leadership in a high-volume environment.
- Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation required, PLP considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience managing Ontario and Quebec payroll, including unionized environments.
- Strong understanding of payroll legislation, CRA and Revenu Québec requirements, and collective agreements.
- Experience leading system improvements or payroll transformation initiatives.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
- Ability to work fully on-site and obtain Secret Security Clearance.
Note from the Hiring Manager
“This is a newly established role reporting directly to the CHRO. We’re looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves, lead the team, and confidently act as our payroll expert. The environment is complex, so we need someone experienced, practical, and ready to help modernize how we operate.”
Why Partner with Altis
If you’ve never worked with a staffing agency before, we make it easy. We work with top employers across Canada who have great jobs to fill, each vetted and verified by our team. When you apply for a job with Altis, we get to know you as a candidate and learn what your strengths are. Then, if you’re a solid match, we handle all the logistics, advocating for you as a candidate for the role, providing access to coaching and connecting you directly with the hiring manager. And rest assured, all our services are free of cost for candidates.
We appreciate the time and effort all applicants invest in their submissions. Please note that only candidates shortlisted for this role will be contacted directly. However, your profile will remain under consideration for future opportunities that align with your experience and career goals. All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities including those who identify as women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. If you require an accommodation, please review our
accessibility policy and reach out to our accessibility officer with any questions. Our human recruiters review all applications and always make the final hiring decision. On occasion, we also use AI-assisted tools to help review applications.