Canadian Payroll Manager - Join Robert Half in Chicago, IL

Robert Half is seeking a skilled Canadian Payroll Manager for a long-term contract position in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. This pivotal role offers the chance to manage comprehensive Canadian payroll operations for a dynamic organization, ensuring seamless compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. As a key player working alongside senior leadership, you will handle complex payroll processes, statutory filings, and reconciliations while leveraging advanced tools like ADP Workforce Now. If you have deep expertise in Canadian payroll regulations, taxation, and vendor management, this opportunity at Robert Half provides professional growth, exposure to Big 4 auditors, and collaboration with industry leaders like Manulife.

About the Role

In this Canadian Payroll Manager position, you will oversee end-to-end payroll functions tailored to Canadian standards, even from our Chicago base. This long-term contract (expected 12+ months with potential extensions) demands precision in handling Records of Employment (ROEs), T4 filings, and Service Canada interactions. You'll deliver actionable payroll insights to executives, support year-end closings, and manage retirement plans and equity compensation components. Robert Half values professionals who thrive in high-stakes environments, offering a platform to showcase your expertise in Canadian payroll compliance and ADP Workforce Now. Ideal for seasoned payroll experts looking to advance their careers in a prestigious firm.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve a blend of operational execution and strategic partnership:

• Lead full-cycle Canadian payroll processing, from data entry to final disbursement, guaranteeing 100% accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Prepare and submit ROEs, navigating complex taxation rules and ensuring all documentation meets CRA standards.
• Liaise directly with Service Canada to resolve discrepancies, claims, and compliance matters efficiently.
• Perform in-depth reconciliations of payroll ledgers, deductions, benefits, and liabilities to maintain financial integrity.
• Drive year-end processes, including T4 preparation, RL-1 slips, and other statutory requirements under tight deadlines.
• Partner with C-suite leaders to generate customized payroll reports, forecasts, and ad-hoc analyses for informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with Big 4 audit teams (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) during reviews, providing audit-ready documentation and explanations.
• Manage interactions with retirement vendors like Manulife for pension contributions, withdrawals, and account reconciliations.
• Master ADP Workforce Now for processing, reporting, and custom queries to optimize payroll workflows.
• Support equity compensation payroll (stock options, RSUs), with dedicated training to bridge any knowledge gaps.

Required Qualifications

To excel as our Canadian Payroll Manager, bring the following:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in Canadian payroll management, ideally in a multi-jurisdictional setting.
• Advanced proficiency in ADP Workforce Now or similar HCM platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian payroll laws, CPP/QPP, EI, and provincial regulations.
• Proven track record with ROEs, T4s, year-end filings, and Service Canada protocols.
• Strong reconciliation skills for benefits, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
• Experience interfacing with auditors and external vendors in finance/payroll ecosystems.
• Analytical mindset with expertise in payroll reporting and variance analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, HR, or Business; payroll certifications (e.g., PCP, CPP) highly preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills for stakeholder engagement and issue resolution.
• Ability to handle confidential data with the utmost integrity.

This role requires meticulous attention to detail and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us at Robert Half?

Robert Half offers more than just a job—it's a career launchpad. Enjoy a competitive $55/hour rate (approx. $95K-$114K annualized), long-term stability, and direct access to senior leaders. Gain exposure to elite auditors and vendors, enhancing your resume. Our Chicago office fosters collaboration and growth, with potential hybrid flexibility. Robert Half is renowned for talent development, placing top professionals in premier roles. Keywords: Canadian payroll jobs Chicago, ADP payroll specialist, payroll manager contract, T4 ROE expert, Service Canada payroll. Apply now to elevate your payroll career!

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