Assistant Manager, Payroll & Finance

Position: Assistant Manager, Payroll & Finance
Halifax Public Libraries invitesapplications for the full-time, permanent position of Assistant Manager, Payroll & Finance located at Alderney Gate Public Library
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Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs.

JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Manager, Payroll & Finance is responsible for overseeing payroll operations and providing leadership in key financial services including audit support, budget and forecast and procurement. This role ensures the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial and payroll processes, while also leading data research and analytics to support strategic decision-making across Human Resources (HR) and Finance.

Intersecting with both HR and Finance, the Assistant Manager, Payroll & Finance, plays a critical role in strengthening financial controls, enhancing business processes, and delivering high-quality analytics and insights to support organizational planning, workforce management, and long-term financial sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll

Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for all employee groups, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, confidentiality, and compliance with legislation, the collective agreement, and related policies.

Lead payroll audits and reconciliations.

Maintain payroll system integrity, including data updates, earnings and deductions management.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with HRM to ensure alignment of payroll and HR business practices.

Lead annual payroll activities including working with HRM for T4/T4A issuance, remittances, reconciliations, and responses to audit inquires.

Lead payroll system changes including internal processes and major system implementations or upgrades (e.g. SAP, Success Factors, WFMPro)

Act as a key resource for interpreting the Collective Agreement, resolving complex payroll or compensation issues

Serve as the primary subject matter expert for payroll-related policies, procedures, and systems, on-going support and back-up for payroll coordinators.

Establish and maintain strong internal controls, policies, and standard payroll operating procedures.

Partner with HR to ensure payroll accuracy related to hiring, terminations, leaves, compensation changes, and benefits administration.

Monitor compliance with all payroll related regulations, staying current on changes (e.g., minimum wage, sick leave, overtime). Provide guidance, reporting and support for collective bargaining and related labour relations activities.

Financial Services

Support and coordinate internal and external audits, including preparation of schedules, documentation, and responses.

Provide guidance and support for procurement and accounts payable functions, ensuring adherence to financial controls, policies, and best practices.

Review and approve financial transactions, vendor payments, and purchasing activities.

Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency within financial operations of the organization.

Provides onboard training for leads and managers for finance process and policy.

Leads or carries out analysis and costing of alternatives in support of SET decision-making such as the costs associated with labour or other contract negotiations, new initiatives, or other financing considerations (lease versus but decisions).

Advises and supports the analysis and implementation of new initiatives and special projects including costing of collective agreements and financial review, financial analysis of proposals, changes to business process.

Grant and donation reporting management and communication to managers.

Oversees compliance reporting for procurement card policy.

Data Research and Analytics

Lead data research and analysis initiatives across Finance and HR.

Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and performance metrics related to payroll, staffing, attendance support, compensation, and financial trends.

Set and monitor KPIs and metrics and provide regular reports and insights

Provide analytical insights to support budgeting, workforce planning, forecasting, and policy development.

Identify, research and implement best practices to support departmental and organizational needs

Ensure data integrity and consistency across financial and HR systems.

Leadership and Collaboration

Provide leadership, coaching, training, and technical guidance to finance and payroll staff.

Act as a key liaison between Finance, HR, and other departments.

Participate in cross-functional projects related to financial systems, HR systems, and organizational change.

Contribute to strategic planning and policy development within both HR and Finance portfolios.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with…