Dena Lakusta
Belle River,ON
Summary
Accomplished in HRIS and payroll management, I've spearheaded countless system optimizations, enhancing efficiency and compliance. Expertise in system implementation and strategic planning, coupled with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, has consistently delivered significant business improvements. Notably, improvements made at Go Auto Corporation saved them$350K annually, showcasing a blend of technical proficiency, well rounded HR knowledge, and leadership.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager, HRIS & North American Payroll
Ag Growth International, Inc.
2022.09 - Current
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to develop solutions addressing unique business needs using available technologies within the UKG Pro HRIS environment.
- Optimized workflows within the HR department through continuous review and enhancement of existing HRIS configurations.
- Served as a subject matter expert on HRIS and Payroll-related matters during internal audits or external regulatory reviews, providing guidance and support to stakeholders throughout the process.
- Oversee the Canadian and US payroll functions comprised of ~2500 employees, across virtually all provinces and states.
- Currently implementing UKG Pro for 6 countries Internationally.
Sr. Implementation Consultant, UKG Pro
Covalence Consulting
2021.09 - 2022.09
- Delivered successful implementations for multiple industries, leveraging a deep understanding of diverse business requirements and technical specifications.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing tailored implementation solutions to meet their business needs.
- Specialized in post-implementation strategic consulting.
Director, HRIS & Payroll
Go Auto Corporation
2020.08 - 2021.09
- Streamlined payroll processing from 50+ individual payrolls to one by optimizing system capabilities, establishing audit controls, and defining and adhering to process best practices.
- Implemented group benefit plan changes that resulted in increased coverage for employees, and savings of $350K/year for the organization.
- Implemented UKG Pro for all locations across Canada.
Manager, Payroll
Fountain Tire
2018.03 - 2020.08
- Managed Payroll and HRIS for ~165 legal entities across Canada.
- Automated and streamlined processes by utilizing available HRIS functionality within UKG Pro.
Manager, Payroll (Contract)
Edmonton Northlands
2017.07 - 2018.04
- Contract position to manage Payroll and optimize UKG Pro functionality.
- As this not-for-profit organization closed its doors, ensured all payroll-related matters were completed and filed correctly.
Manager, National Payroll & Benefits
Wajax
2012.10 - 2016.10
- Managed Payroll and Benefits across Canada for 5 legal entities
- Developed the functional platform, analytics, and roadmap that were the foundation for Wajax being awarded an Innovation Award from UKG in 2017.
HRIS Functional Analyst
Alberta Health Services, AHS
2011.01 - 2012.02
- Payroll SME and functional analyst representing the Capital Health Region Payroll to transition to Oracle, PeopleSoft for 90,000 employees province-wide.
Team Lead, Payroll
Capital Health Authority
2007.03 - 2010.12
- Managed day-to-day Payroll operations for a team of 10, processing payroll for 30,000 employees across AB, encompassing 12 collective agreements.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
Education
Business Analyst Certification
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Edmonton, ABPayroll Leadership Professional (PLP)
National Payroll Institute (NPI)
Skills
- HRIS Expertise
- System Implementation
- System and Process Optimization
- Team Leadership
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Strategic Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Agile and adaptable
Timeline
Sr. Manager, HRIS & North American Payroll
Ag Growth International, Inc.
2022.09 - Current
Sr. Implementation Consultant, UKG Pro
Covalence Consulting
2021.09 - 2022.09
Director, HRIS & Payroll
Go Auto Corporation
2020.08 - 2021.09
Manager, Payroll
Fountain Tire
2018.03 - 2020.08
Manager, Payroll (Contract)
Edmonton Northlands
2017.07 - 2018.04
Manager, National Payroll & Benefits
Wajax
2012.10 - 2016.10
HRIS Functional Analyst
Alberta Health Services, AHS
2011.01 - 2012.02
Team Lead, Payroll
Capital Health Authority
2007.03 - 2010.12
Business Analyst Certification
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP)
National Payroll Institute (NPI)
Similar Profiles
Karl KingKarl King
Professional Criminal Paralegal at GROWTH INTERNATIONAL LLCProfessional Criminal Paralegal at GROWTH INTERNATIONAL LLC
RUDZANI MUOFHERUDZANI MUOFHE
Property Operations Manager at Quality Growth International (QGI)Property Operations Manager at Quality Growth International (QGI)
Debmalya GuhaDebmalya Guha
Sales Associate at Amazon - International Seller GrowthSales Associate at Amazon - International Seller Growth