New Research Warns of Possible Payroll Talent Shortage Amid Rapid Industry Change
New research from the National Payroll Institute and Deloitte Canada highlights succession risks, rising skill demands and the need to modernize payroll talent pipelines in Canada.
Canada’s payroll profession is facing a tightening talent pipeline at a time when the role is becoming more complex, strategic, and technology-driven, according to new research from the National Payroll Institute, developed in collaboration with Deloitte Canada.
The Beyond Paydays: The Evolution of Payroll in Canada report found that Canadian organizations are under increasing pressure to attract and retain professionals who can combine technical knowledge with analytical and interpersonal skills to manage payroll. This creates growing succession and capacity challenges for organizations as Canadian employees depend on payroll professionals for the accurate and timely delivery of their pay – making payroll a critical function for trust and stability.
The findings point to a need for Canadian organizations to strengthen both talent and technology investment, including upskilling in areas such as cybersecurity, AI oversight, data storytelling and change management. As payroll takes on a more strategic role, employers that fail to modernize may find it harder to manage compliance, respond to disruption and support business decision-making.
