You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.
Job Description:
Location: We support US virtual working arrangements in the contiguous 48 states.
At Sun Life, we look for optimistic people who want to make life brighter for our Clients. We understand the value of diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and want you to bring your full and authentic self to work. Every day, you’ll be empowered and challenged by working with dynamic colleagues to find new and innovative ways to make Sun Life the best benefits company in America.
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the AVP, Global Human Resources Shared Services, the Director Payroll Operations provides strategic and innovative leadership for the Canadian and the U.S. Payroll operations and acts as a subject matter expert for Global HR Payroll teams.
The Director will have responsibility for overseeing the North American payroll and accounting functions, deliverables associated with processing payroll and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and corporate policies, act as the primary relationship manager with our Payroll Service provider ADP and will work/consult with Global HR and business partners as required as a Payroll subject matter expert. This role will also be accountable for coordinating all audit, governance and oversight for the payroll function and work closely with HRSS, Sun Life Internal Controls, Audit, HR Risk Management, vendors and business teams to ensure controls and tracking/monitoring are in place along with appropriate reporting. This role will also be accountable to identify and implement operational performance and service excellence that will help evolve the HR Support Model.
How you will contribute:
- Oversee the timely preparation, processing, maintenance and appropriate distribution of payroll information, payroll reports, all tax year-end reports, payroll manuals and related Payroll working instructions
- Provide thought leadership and guidance around advancing new HR operations and capabilities that are value-driven and create operational efficiencies; remain current with industry advancements in Human Resources and continuously innovate
- Strong relationships with key leaders across HR, including Strategic People Analytics, Total Rewards, HR Technology, HR Governance, Human Resources Business Partners and external vendors
- Implement, monitor and report on SLAs, KPIs and Dashboards
- Partner with HR Technology to explore up and coming solutions involving Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and Robotic Process Automation and implement tools to increase processing efficiency, enhance employee experience, process outcomes and management reporting
- Review internal and external risk, governance and audit controls (SOX, etc.) and recommend changes to enhance integrity of outputs to the payroll processes. Participate in internal and external audits for Payroll/HR Services and vendors
- Review and approve Quarterly Key Performance Indicators related to account reconciliations, user system access, Integration errors and system audits
- Monitor legislative changes (in partnership with our payroll provider and Taxation Departments) to ensure our payroll systems and processes are accurate and in compliance
- Oversight of the Vendor relationship with Sun Life’s Payroll provider ADP, ensuring adequate process controls, effective partner relationships, and
- Drive initiatives to optimize Best Practices within accountability area including systems and platforms to improve the employee experience, elimination of manual work, drive efficiency, and improve processes and controls
What you will bring with you:
- Bachelor's degree in business, Human Resources or related field
- Minimum of 10+ years HR and 7+ years progressive payroll experience in a management role, including supervision of staff
- Experience with Agile & Design thinking & process improvement methodologies and knowledge of the full project life cycle is an asset
- Previous experience with mergers & acquisitions an asset
- Payroll certification or equivalent is an asset
- Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Excellent knowledge of North American Payroll processes (Canada, US), experience with ADP GlobalView and/or other payroll systems
- Experience in payroll accounting (general ledger entries, reconciliations, etc.) and Financial systems (Oracle, etc.)
- Service-orientation and high degree of client focus, ability to lead change and engage, develop and motivate teams
- Ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple projects and initiatives within established timelines, leveraging data analytics insights to drive action
- Strong conflict negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and resolve difficult situations
- Inspiring leadership skills, demonstrated ability to manage change in an ambiguous environment, leading with “data first & data driven insights and decisions”
- Highly motivated, strong business acumen; strategic and results oriented with a continuous improvement focus
- Proven track record in thought leadership, creating and implementing a holistic transformation strategy within a payroll function
- Excellent change & project management, organization, planning and time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize work
- Highly motivated, strong business acumen; strategic and results oriented with a continuous improvement focus
Do you see yourself in this role even if you haven’t checked all the boxes above? We welcome all talented candidates and are committed to a culture that represents diversity in all forms. If you think you might thrive in this setting, we would love to hear from you.
Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you!
Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life
Excellent benefits and wellness programs to support the three pillars of your well-being – mental, physical and financial – including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, a partially-paid sabbatical program, medical plans, company paid life and AD&D insurance as well as disability programs and more
Retirement and Stock Purchase programs to help build and enhance your future financial security including a 401(k) plan with an employer-paid match as well as an employer-funded retirement account
A flexible work environment with a friendly, caring, collaborative and inclusive culture
Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S.
Named as a “Top 10” employer by the Boston Globe's “Top Places to Work” two years running
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are a California resident, the salary range for this position is:
- California Southern region: $146,300 – 219,500 annually
- California Central region: $154,300 – 231,400 annually
- California Northern region: $164,900 – 247,400 annually
If you are a Colorado resident, the salary range for this position is $139,700 - 209,500 annually.
If you are a New York resident, the salary range for this position is $164,900 - 247,400 annually.
If you are Washington resident, the salary range for this position is $154,300 – 231,400 annually.
We consider various factors in determining actual pay including your skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition to salary, this position is eligible for incentive awards based on individual and business performance as well as a broad range of competitive benefits.
Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of group insurance benefits in the U.S., helping people protect what they love about their lives. More than just a name, Sun Life symbolizes our brand promise of making life brighter -for our customers, partners, and communities. Join our talented, diverse workforce and launch a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more.
At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.
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Our Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email recruitingUS@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.
At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.
For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
