Payroll Analyst
John Hancock
Job Summary:
As a key member of the International Payroll Services team, the Payroll Analyst ensures accurate and timely payroll processing for multiple countries. You will audit payroll operations, resolve discrepancies, and analyze data for trends and anomalies. This role requires expertise in multi-jurisdictional payroll laws and regulations and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Reports to the Payroll Manager
Position Responsibilities:
Take an active role in assisting the Payroll Manager and take responsibility for accurate and timely payroll processing for Ireland, England, Switzerland, Germany, Dubai, Bermuda, with potential expansion to additional countries in the future.
Maintain payroll records, databases, and documentation.
Analyze payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends, and anomalies.
Collaborate with HR, vendors, and internal teams to resolve payroll issues.
Ensure compliance with global payroll regulations and company policies.
Assist with audits, reporting, and process improvements.
Respond to escalated payroll inquiries and provide expert guidance.
Participate in training and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
Individual Accountabilities:
Payroll Processing – 80%
Audit vendor work and manual payroll edits (new hires, transfers, incentives, deductions, terminations, leaves, adjustments)
Process, reconcile and audit data received from the payroll vendor
Process transactions from inbound interfaces (Workday, 3rd party vendors)
Reconcile and remit third-party payments (deductions, pensions, deferred compensation, mutual funds)
Process supplemental and off-cycle payrolls (expat stock, board of directors or other groups)
Validate and process transactions impacting gross-to-net payroll (salary, incentives, terminations, deductions)
Review daily PECI integrations between Workday and ADP Celergo; correct errors as needed
Prepare and upload batch files per system specs
Assist, Process, reconcile and audit with year-end tax reporting
Create on-demand checks and EFTs for corrections
Payroll Governance, Audits, and Controls – 20%
Verify payroll data for accuracy and compliance; identify anomalies
Maintain and update payroll documentation and SOPs
Address and resolve tax notices
Research, plan, test, and implement legislative changes; liaise with vendors
Test system scenarios and resolve customer inquiries
Support payroll accounting (journal entries, month-end reconciliations)
Recommend and implement process improvements
Respond to escalated payroll inquiries in Salesforce within SLAs
Other responsibilities as assigne
Required Qualifications:
4–6 years payroll processing experience
Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent
Flexibility to work across time zones to support global payroll operations
Strong logic and mathematical aptitude
In-depth knowledge of payroll processing, tax principles, wage & hour legislation
Experience with large HR systems (Workday) and payroll providers (ADP, Ceridian, UKG)
Exposure to complex payroll scenarios (mobile employees, expatriates, currency conversions)
Knowledge of working across platforms (Teams, Zoom, Webex)
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, nested formulas,)
Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive data
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency
Analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to explain complex payroll topics to employees and government agencies
Teamwork and autonomy
Ability to train and review colleagues’ work
Work independently following established procedure
When you join our team:
We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
#LI-Hybrid
About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.
Referenced Salary Location
Toronto, OntarioWorking Arrangement
Salary range is expected to be between
If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.
Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.