Payroll Project Lead

We’re looking for a highly skilled Payroll Project Lead to drive global payroll transformation across a growing, dynamic organization. In this role, you won’t be processing payroll—but you will be leading high-impact initiatives that shape how we deliver payroll globally, ensuring compliance, scalability, and operational excellence as we grow.

Based in Canada or the U.S., you’ll work on strategic projects across multiple countries, including new market expansions, M&A integrations, process redesign, and system implementations. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams including People Systems & Analytics, Total Rewards, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to deliver outcomes that enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy worldwide.

This is a leadership role without direct people management—ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, leads through influence and expertise, and is passionate about building scalable payroll processes from the ground up.

• Lead global payroll projects, including M&A integrations, country launches, and vendor transitions.

• Partner cross-functionally with PSA, Total Rewards, Finance, Legal, and regional HR teams to embed payroll needs in broader organizational initiatives.

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline payroll operations and increase compliance and efficiency.

• Serve as the primary payroll contact for global implementation workstreams and provide subject matter expertise to support successful execution.

• Maintain and create documentation including standard operating procedures (SOPs), project plans, control narratives, and audit support packages.

• Support year-end readiness, audit preparedness, and global reporting requirements in partnership with internal stakeholders.

• Stay up to date on relevant legislative and compliance changes in all supported regions and help ensure internal practices are aligned.

• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in payroll, with deep knowledge of Canadian and U.S. payroll compliance and global payroll project experience.

• Proven ability to lead payroll initiatives in complex, high-growth, or multi-country environments.

• Experience supporting M&A activity, including onboarding, and payroll integration.

• Solid working knowledge of Workday and experience with third-party payroll vendors (e.g., CloudPay, Remote).

• Strong understanding of payroll controls, audit requirements, and global payroll documentation practices.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.

• Ability to work cross-functionally, manage ambiguity, and lead without authority in a highly collaborative environment.

• Experience supporting IPO readiness activities, particularly around payroll-related SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance, documentation of internal controls, and audit process alignment.

• Project Management certification or comparable experience is a plus.

• Exposure to payroll implementations or transitions in EMEA or APAC markets.

What you will find here:

Compensation is one of the main components of Clio’s Total Rewards Program. We have developed a series of programs and processes to ensure we are creating fair and competitive pay practices that form the foundation of our human and high-performing culture.
 

Some highlights of our Total Rewards program include:

• Competitive, equitable salary with top-tier health benefits, dental, and vision insurance 

• Hybrid work environment, with expectation for local Clions (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Dublin) to be in office minimum 2 days per week on our Anchor Days. 

• Flexible time off policy, with an encouraged 20 days off per year.

• $2000 annual counseling benefit

• RRSP matching and RESP contribution 

• Clioversary recognition program with special acknowledgement at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years​

Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (DIBE) & Accessibility 

Our team shows up as their authentic selves, and are united by our mission. We are dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. We pride ourselves in building and fostering an environment where our teams feel included, valued, and enabled to do the best work of their careers, wherever they choose to log in from. We believe that different perspectives, skills, backgrounds, and experiences result in higher-performing teams and better innovation. We are committed to equal employment and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Clio provides accessibility accommodations during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Learn more about our culture at clio.com/careers

Disclaimer: We only communicate with candidates through official @clio.com email addresses.