Assistant Manager, Workday HRIS & Payroll

Assistant Manager, Workday HRIS & Payroll Systems
Regular Full-Time
(35 hours per week)

ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING

Based in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is among the largest art museums in North America, drawing close to one million visitors annually. With a collection of over 120,000 works—ranging from contemporary art to celebrated Indigenous and Canadian works and European masterpieces—the AGO offers something for every art lover.

Join a leading cultural institution where people, data, and technology come together to support an exceptional employee experience.

At the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), our People team is evolving how we use technology and data to support our workforce. We’re looking for a highly analytical, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional to help optimize and support our HR and payroll systems.

As Assistant Manager, Workday HRIS & Payroll Systems, you will play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our Workday platform, ensuring accurate payroll processing, and supporting data-driven decision-making across the organization. You will act as a key liaison between HR, Payroll, IT, and external vendors, helping ensure system integrity, compliance, and continuous improvement.

The rate of pay for this position is $71,162 - $88,907 per annum.

What You’ll Do

• Administer and configure Workday modules including HCM, Payroll, Time Tracking, Absence, and Scheduling, ensuring optimal system performance.
• Manage system updates, enhancements, and releases, including testing (UAT, regression) and implementation of new functionality.
• Configure payroll elements such as earnings, deductions, tax rules, and collective agreement provisions within Workday.
• Troubleshoot system issues, conduct root-cause analysis, and resolve HRIS and payroll-related discrepancies.
• Act as a technical point of contact for HRIS and payroll inquiries, providing guidance and user support across teams.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and analytics related to payroll, absenteeism, overtime, and workforce trends.
• Perform data validation, reconciliation, and ensure accuracy across integrated systems for compliance and audit readiness.
• Support compensation and benefits cycles, ensuring accurate system configuration and data integrity.
• Lead or support testing, documentation, and implementation of system changes, upgrades, and new modules.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to improve processes, enhance system functionality, and drive best practices.
• Provide training and support to end-users to maximize effective use of Workday tools and features.
• Supervise and support team members, ensuring effective delivery of services aligned with AGO policies and procedures.

What You Bring

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience with Workday, including HCM, Payroll, Time Tracking, and Absence Management.
• Strong understanding of HRIS and payroll systems, configuration, and data structures.
• Experience with Workday reporting, including calculated fields, dashboards, and advanced reporting tools.
• Familiarity with Workday EIBs, data conversion, and system integrations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex system issues.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, data analysis, reporting).
• Knowledge of Canadian payroll practices; PCP or Workday certifications are considered an asset.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and influence stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• A proactive, self-directed approach with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join the AGO

At the AGO, we’re driven by art, people, and ideas. As part of the People team, you will play a key role in strengthening the systems and processes that support our employees and enable organizational success. You’ll join a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.

We also offer a range of perks designed to help you enjoy art and life beyond the Gallery, including:

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, plus discounts at the gift shop, Bistro, and Learning Centre.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at: https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) uses AI features to support efficiency and consistency, but all hiring decisions are made by our managers and HR team.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.