Senior Payroll Administrator

Job Description

Senior Payroll Administrator

Competition Number:         26/147

Posting Scope:                    Internal / External

Posted Date:                        July 21, 2026

Closing Date:                       August 11, 2026, 4:30 PM PST

Department:                         Finance

Work schedule:                   Monday to Friday (35 hour work week) - Continuous Term (up to 24 months)

Salary:                                  $53.78 per hour, Pay Grade 15

Job Code:                            4227

Employee Group:               This is a CUPE Local 50  position

Number of Vacancies:        1

The City of Victoria is seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Payroll Administrator to join our Payroll team. During this period, you will provide leadership, guidance, and technical expertise to the Payroll team while ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of payroll and benefits services to approximately 1,400 employees. 

We are adding a temporary backfill opportunity (up to 24 months, receiving full benefits) while the existing Senior Payroll Administrator supports the City’s implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system (ERP.)

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys solving complex problems, mentoring others, improving processes, and making a meaningful impact in a dynamic municipal environment.

FLEX

The successful candidate for this vacancy would participate in a modified work week, earning a flex day off each bi-weekly period by working additional time each day. Modified work weeks established in accordance with the CUPE Local 50 Collective Agreement and are subject to change.

POSITION FUNCTION

Reporting to the Manager of Payroll and Benefits, the Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the City’s biweekly payroll process, and general supervision of the day-to-day operations of the Payroll section. This role assists in developing and enhancing payroll policies and processes, as well as optimizing the use of technology to pave the way for the future of the organization’s compensation and benefits administration, while delivering an exceptional employee experience.

KEY DUTIES

• Coordinate, assign, review and participate in the technical work of the Payroll Administrators within the Payroll section.
• Plan and assign tasks to optimize efficient workflows that delivers accurate and timely biweekly payrolls and to ensure the City’s payroll is in compliance with tax regulation, collective agreements, employment standards, corporate policies and other applicable acts and regulations.
• Review and approve adjustments and corrections, ensuring all changes are documented appropriately.
• Coordinate processes related to WorkSafeBC and related tasks.
• Oversee benefits administration, including the review and approval of third-party remittances, payroll-related account reconciliations, filing and submission of regulatory and statutory payroll reports to governing bodies and agencies.
• Assist with and review in the preparation of working documents related to payroll accounts for year-end audit and the production of payroll year-end activities, such as T4’s and other statutory reporting and reconciliation, including Municipal Pension Plan, WorkSafeBC, and other government required statistical information.
• Provide accurate, clear, and consistent advice, guidance, and direction to staff and departments on appropriate application of payroll-related transactions. Consult with the Manager of Payroll and Benefits on matters outside established rules and processes.
• Assist in developing, documenting, enhancing, and implementing improvements to payroll policies and processes.
• Participate in the resolution of complex payroll process issues, changes or application of statutory requirements and policy interpretation.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and testing of payroll system changes or new systems, functionality, and regular updates. Performs and coordinates user testing, acceptance, and implementation.
• Assist with recruitment, orientation, and training and general support and oversight of payroll staff.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

INDEPENDENCE

• Work is assigned according to payroll schedules in compliance with policies and regulations or is generated by requests for service.
• Issues such as deviations from policy and established procedures are discussed with supervisor with recommendations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort:

• Sit with arms unsupported while keyboarding. (often)

Mental Effort:

• Meet multiple payroll and outside agency deadlines. (frequent)
• Extended periods of intense concentration while performing calculations or analysis. (often)

Visual/Auditory Effort:

• Focus on source documents and computer for short periods. (often)

Work Environment:

• Normal

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The incumbent requires a thorough knowledge of federal and provincial legislations, acts and regulations related to payroll, accounting, and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate staff and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem solving and analytical abilities, supplemented by good organizational skills are also required, as is skill in dealing tactfully and sensitively in a variety of situations including exercising substantial discretion with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize the work of the section, and to work under pressure, meet tight payroll schedules, and maintain a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to understand and apply the principles, methods, and techniques of payroll as they relate to a unionized environment and municipal accounting.
• Advanced level operation of the City’s payroll/financial system, word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply Canadian payroll related legislation and regulations.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills are a must for this position, as this role provides technical guidance and advice to user departments.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and work effectively with public and outside agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

Education:

• High school graduation.
• Completed CGA Level 2 or Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP)

Experience:

• 4 years of progressively related experience including payroll and benefits administration and leadership experience in a payroll environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER:

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of payroll techniques and related government regulations.
• May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume. 

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process. 

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.