Manager Employee Relations

Poonam Sharma

* ****** ****, ******** *******, L*G 1G4

905-***-**** (home), 343-***-**** (cell), **.******@******.***

SUMMARY OF CAREER EXPERIENCE

I am a HR/Payroll/Benefits professional with over 15 years of progressive experience. Diversified range of experience includes: Business/functional experience, HR, Payroll, Payroll systems & processes, Gathering Business requirements and testing, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), Compensation and Benefits, Recruitment, Time capture and scheduling systems, Pension Administration, disability management, leaves systems.

Significant background and experience in the management of Payroll/HR/HRIS/Benefit departments, information technology, systems integration & security, data integrity, systems analysis, system testing, isolating problems, identifying and implementing processes, process improvements and successful business solutions for Payroll and Human Resources

Have taken lead roles in identifying needs for end user training, automation of all HR & Payroll processes and de-centralization of Time entry processes.

As Director of Human Resources have taken lead roles in re-structuring departments and streamlining processes to ensure services were delivered in an efficient and effective manner.

Have lead major compensation reviews of all salaries & benefits for non-unionized, management and Sr. management staff – was successful in obtaining approval on recommended changes from Sr. Management and then the Board of directors.

Took lead roles in union negotiations and successfully implemented negotiated changes in the organization – system and program changes.

Have Lead or participated in complex Payroll/Human Resources implementations in Hospitals and the private sector.

Have experience in unionized and non-union environments, Health care industry, private sector, public sector and High tech.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Oct. 2018 – Aug. 2020 PAYROLL MANAGER

FARM BOY INC. (Ottawa, Ontario)

Payroll size – over 4000 employees

As Payroll Manager I was responsible for all aspects of Payroll including managing all day-to-day activities required in the preparation of bi-weekly payroll for over 4000 employees located across approx. 32 locations across the province. This included providing direct supervision and oversight to the payroll team, managing each processing function (New Hires, Transfers, Promotions, Terminations, Salary changes, system changes and testing, LOA’s, Journal entries, Reconciliations, T4 production, etc.) and developing and implementing procedures and process improvements in Payroll and HR departments.

Supervised and coordinated activities of payroll team and managed payroll workload to meet operational requirements. Ensured payroll was processed in an accurate, compliant and timely manner

Directed the preparation of payroll related documents, oversee compliance with statutory reporting and filing requirements including year-end T4 processing and balancing.

Prepared/reviewed financial journal entries on a bi-weekly basis and review account reconciliations

Monitored and ensured all payroll changes such as new hires, transfers, promotions, terminations, salary changes, bank changes etc. were processed accurately and in a timely manner according to company policy.

Worked closely with HR to implement policy changes, system changes and benefit changes as necessary.

Worked on procedures and process improvements both in Payroll and HR departments. Played a lead role on special projects – automating processes, Employee Self-service portals, documenting user instructions.

Recommended and implemented system and process changes to streamline processes in Payroll and HR.

Audited and approved each bi-weekly payroll run. Troubleshoot all issues as required.

Supported all internal and external audits related to payroll.

Provided coaching and mentoring to the payroll team and developed payroll staff.

2008 – Sept. 2018 DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL

BEST THERATRONICS Ltd. (Ottawa, Ontario)

Two product lines from MDS Nordion were acquired by U.S. based Best International Ltd. In 2008. The Canadian division is called Best Theratronics Ltd. I worked on the conversion, implementation and setting up of the Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, Pensions, HRIS and Time and Labor department, systems and processes for Best Theratronics Ltd. My current responsibilities include:

Overall responsibility for all aspects of the payroll functions including day-to-day activities, payroll input and production, payroll verification (input/output), system enhancements, journal entries, reconciliations, year end filings (EHT, WSIB, T4’s, T4A’s), 3rd party remittances, reporting, interaction with outside agencies and internal and external auditors

Overall responsibility for all aspects of the human resources functions, HRIS, Scheduling and payroll information needs of the company including data integrity and interfaces with other systems

Overall responsibility for all benefit programs (Insured benefits, Pensions, RRSP’s) including design changes, communication to employees on benefits, pension plans and negotiations on contract renewals with benefit carriers

Overall responsibility for disability management and return to work process

Overall responsibility for all union negotiations and Grievances

Responsible for Labor and employee relations – conflict resolution, disciplinary actions and other inquiries

Responsible for all aspects of recruitment

Responsible for providing guidance, advice to all levels of management with respect to Human Resources/Payroll, process improvements, policies and procedures, issues and making recommendations on salary increases

Advise management on hiring and staffing options – including job postings, screening, interviews, selection, salary, reference checks and offer letters. Prepare transfer, disciplinary and termination letters

Develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, employees and relevant colleges and universities

Conduct new employee orientation sessions, exit interviews and other training as required

Take a lead role in the development and implementation of performance evaluation programs

Implement programs in accordance with policies and collective agreements requirements – recognition and rewards programs. Responsible for writing/updating policies and procedures

Responsible for the development of job descriptions, compensation programs including job evaluation and analysis

2005 - 2007 MANAGER, PAYROLL AND HRIS

FIRST AIR – HEAD OFFICE (Ottawa, Ontario)

Payroll size – over 1000 employees

As Manager I was responsible for managing all day-to-day activities across the country of Payroll/Benefits/HRIS department and many HR functions and ensuring that the services from these areas are delivered in an efficient and effective manner.

Responsible for setting the direction and support of the payroll/Benefits/HRIS department including monitoring of daily activities, and the analysis and improvement of processes and systems.

Responsible for all aspects of payroll and benefits administration (from start to finish including all accounting functions such as journal entries, account reconciliations and variance analysis) for bi-weekly and semi-monthly payrolls for employees located across different provinces in Canada.

Responsible for all year end filings including T4’s, T4A’s, EHT, WSIB for all provinces, Co. portion RRSP’s, NU/NWT tax filings.

Responsible for the human resources information needs of the company including the management of all aspects of the HRIS and Payroll system, including the integration of this program with other programs, security and integrity of the system, interface with computer services, control of database contents and reporting.

Responsible for evaluation of all union agreements and development of processes and systems necessary to comply with the agreements.

Responsible for developing and managing the manpower budget process for the entire organization, including supporting the company’s managers in assessing manpower needs, assessing of position levels and compiling of annual detailed manpower budgets.

Provide control point for position recruiting including position level assessment, hiring authorizations and appointment terms and conditions.

Responsible for the variance analysis of salary and benefits expense against budget and identification of related problem areas, trends and issues.

Participate in salary surveys and research of market salary data for assessment of compensation programs.

Responsible for the extraction and reporting of Employment Equity Information (EECRS).

Overall responsibility for all benefits programs including liaising with the benefit carrier, benefit broker on design, changes, communication to employees on benefit plans to stay competitive in the market place, service levels, claim issues and negotiations on contract renewals.

2002 - 2005 PROJECT MANAGER – PAYROLL/HR RESOLUTIONS

CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES – HEAD OFFICE (Ottawa, Ontario)

Assigned to special SAP Payroll/HR project designed to correct major payroll/HRIS process and system issues across the country.

As Project Manager I was responsible for providing leadership to a team of Payroll Professionals, functional groups, Field HR resources across the country, to identify, analyze and resolve Payroll, HR, Service and System issues. Identify and implement Business processes, procedures and tools. Provide coaching, mentoring and hands on assistance to the team.

COORDINATOR (SUPERVISOR) TIME ADMINISTRATION (PAYROLL)

CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES – HEAD OFFICE (2002 to Feb 2004)

Payroll size – 4700 employees

Responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities required in the preparation of bi-weekly payroll for 4700 employees which includes data entry, job costing, payouts, adjustments to sick-vacation or other leave balances, verification, audits of input/outputs, submissions of jobs in the system, employee inquiries, Customer support, system testing – during the implementation of collective agreements changes or terms and conditions of employment, year end, auditors – internal/external etc.

1999 - 2002 MANAGER – PAYROLL, BENEFITS, COMPENSATION & HRIS

QUEENSWAY CARLETON HOSPITAL – Ottawa, Ontario

Payroll size – 1825 employees

As Manager I was responsible for managing all day-to-day activities of Payroll/Benefits/Compensation /HRIS administration and ensuring that the services from these areas of the Human Resources Dept. were delivered Hospital wide in an efficient and effective manner. Participated as an active member on the Hospitals regional committee responsible for the selection and recommendation of Payroll/HR applications solutions.

PAYROLL, BENEFITS, COMPENSATION & HRIS – Responsibilities:

Overall responsibility for Bi-weekly payroll services which included data entry, job costing, verification/audit of outputs, scheduling jobs in the in-house system, salary administration, benefits administration and all other changes to employee files – hires/terminations in the system.

Hospital remittances to Revenue Canada, Insurance carriers (Benefit plans), WSIB, EHT, United Way, Pension Plans etc.

Monthly Payroll accounting (journal entries included), account analysis, variance analysis, balance sheet account reconciliations, T4 balancing and reconciliations, Roe’s, manual cheques and ensuring legislated changes were implemented in the system in a timely manner.

Ensured year end filings were completed in a timely manner – CCRA, T4’s, T4A’s, EHT, WSIB, Pensions etc. Liaised with internal and external auditors during the year and at year end.

Overall responsibility for all benefits programs including liaising with the benefit carrier, benefit broker on design, changes, communication to employees on benefit plans to stay competitive in the market place, service levels, claim issues and negotiations on contract renewals with carriers – Dental, Extended Health, Life Insurance, AD&D, Voluntary Life, Vision Care, STD, LTD, SUB plans, Pension Plan, RRSP etc. Advised employees with respect to issues such as STD, LTD, WSIB, and Retirement.

Design and implementation of Compensation Programs, advising managers and the Hospital on Compensation & Benefit issues, monitoring and providing analysis on compensation trends in the market place to stay competitive and making recommendations to Sr. management on salary increases for non-union, management and union groups.

Research and implementation of Best Practices in the following areas: Payroll, Compensation, Benefits & HRMS.

Job analysis, job evaluation using the Hay tools and communicating and implementing results in the HRIS system.

Participating in salary, benefits and other HR benchmarking surveys and making recommendations to Sr. management.

Responsible for the development of policies and procedures relating to Payroll, Compensation, Benefits & HRIS.

Responsible for training, coaching and mentoring Payroll and HR staff.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Assisted the Director of Human Resources in re-structuring the Human Resources Department. Streamlined procedures, processes to ensure services were delivered in an efficient and effective manner. Conducted a major compensation review of all salaries & benefits for non-union and management staff (first time in the last 10 years) – was successful in obtaining approval on recommended changes from Sr. management and then the Board of directors.

1998 - 1999 MANAGER, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS (PAYROLL INCLUDED)

MBNA CANADA BANK – OTTAWA, ONTARIO

Payroll size – 400 employees

As compensation & Benefits manager, I was responsible for managing the activities of a department which included supervision of staff engaged in the preparation of bi-weekly and monthly (U.S. & Canadian) and Ex-patriot payrolls as well as Benefits administration using Ceridian Payroll/Benefits software. Responsibilities included:

Overall responsibility for Bi-weekly and monthly Payrolls (U.S. & Canadian) for all employees. Activities included – time sheet entries, benefit enrollment, changes, new hires, terminations, benefit changes, banking, bonuses, and incentive programs.

Revenue Canada remittances, remittances to all carriers, journal entries and all monthly and yearly account reconciliations.

Ex-patriot payrolls – managed these payrolls, equalization payments, liaising with auditors etc.

Day-to-day administration of benefit programs including – Dental, Extended Health, Vision Care, Life Insurance, Vol. Life, STD, LTD, RRSP, WSIB etc,.

Negotiating benefit contract with carrier, recommending design & changes, dealing with claims issues.

Conducting orientation sessions for new hires, exit interviews, completing of all enrollment forms and other documentation, providing guidance to employees and managers on compensation and benefit issues.

Job analysis, job evaluation, completion of salary surveys and making final recommendations to Sr. management.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Implementation of Payroll/Benefits/HR system (Ceridian) – needs analysis, proposal to Sr. management, negotiation with vendor, conversion, testing and YTD data transfer. Conversion of company benefits plan from fully pooled basis to ASO. Implementation of an RRSP program including vendor selection, education and coordination and Payroll interface. Implementation of HR modules to support time and attendance tracking, awards and performance tracking and other HR modules. Defined and implemented audit and control procedures for the Payroll, Compensation and Benefits area to ensure compliance with MBNA policies. Identified steps to implement Employment Equity. In recognition I was honored with the Manager of the year award.

1989 - 1998 PAYROLL OFFICER

THERATRONICS INTERNATIONAL LTD. – Ottawa, Ontario

Payroll size – 3 payrolls

As Payroll Officer, I managed the activities of a department, which had overall responsibility for the administration of Payroll & Benefits at Theratronics. The department supported salaried, hourly, executive & U.S. payrolls and benefits systems (Bank of Nova Scotia and ADP systems). Responsibilities included:

Complete administration and supervision of staff engaged in the preparation of payroll processing such as new hires, terminations, changes and other adjustments to payroll and benefits, data entry, verification, job costing, auditing, bank transmission etc.

Preparation and verification of Payroll related journal entries, accrual entries, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, T4 & T4A’s balancing, EHT /WSIB/Pension account reconciliations.

Pension administration including completion of superannuation forms and reconciliations of pension accounts at Y.E.

Remittances to Revenue Canada, EHT, WSIB, all benefit carriers including carriers handling U.S. benefits, Pensions, CSB’s and other unions and associations.

Year –end financial reconciliations of payroll accounts, EHT & WSIB filings, production of T4’s and T4a’s and bank reconciliations for Canadian and U.S. payrolls.

Implementation of legislative changes, union negotiated changes in a timely manner in the system.

Recommended enhancements to payroll/benefits systems, reports, responded to queries from staff & management on matters related to Payroll & Benefits.

Liaised with internal & external auditors, service bureau personnel & external agencies.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

In 1989, I implemented a Payroll/Benefits system at Theratronics after a detailed assessment of the requirements of the company and hardware/software systems available in the market place. Activities involved – establishment of detailed requirements, needs analysis, union requirements, evaluation of systems available in the market place, selection, conversion, proposal to Sr. management, negotiation with vendor, conversion of data and trouble free switch over to the new system. In recognition I was honored with the prestigious President’s award for excellence.

EDUCATION: Diploma in Data Processing (Computer Sciences)

Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario.

Courses: Introduction to Payroll – Level I certification Canadian Payroll Association

Payroll for Supervisor – Level II certification Canadian Payroll Association

Introduction to American Payroll – Level I American Payroll Association

Basic/Intermediate American Payroll – Level II American Payroll Association

Total Compensation Management – Canadian Compensation Association

Base Pay Management – Canadian Compensation Association

Fundamentals of Employee Benefits Programs in Canada – Canadian Compensation Association

Job Analysis, Design and Job Evaluation – Canadian Compensation Association

Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Lotus 123

Packages: SAP,

Oracle-HR,

Ceridian,

ADP – Pay@work & Ezlabor,

ADP – Workforce Now,

ADP (Canadian & US),

IST,

Health-Vision

Contact this candidate