HR & Payroll Specialist - US/Canada

Overview

This role involves managing payroll, HR operations, and benefits within the US Hub of a rapidly growing financial services organization focused on expanding cashless payment solutions across Africa. The position requires expertise in U.S. and Canadian payroll and HR legislation to ensure compliance and efficiency across multiple countries.

Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• Process multi-state payroll ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely payrolls for assigned countries, including variable pay, stock, supplemental pay runs, and tax deposits.
• Manage relationships with external payroll providers.
• Maintain payroll records, process adjustments, and promptly address payroll-related queries.
• Identify and implement improvements in payroll systems and workflows.
• Support internal and external payroll audits.

U.S./Canada Specific Payroll Duties

• Apply knowledge of IRS guidelines and forms (W-2, W-4).
• Apply immigration guidelines as needed.
• Manage fringe benefits taxation and reporting, FLSA and overtime classification rules.
• Support ACA compliance in collaboration with benefits brokers.
• Ensure compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial payroll tax rules.
• Administer contributions and filings including EI, CPP, QPP, T4, T4A, R1, and ROE.

HR & Benefits Operations

• Oversee HR administrative tasks such as employee onboarding, health insurance setup, open enrollment, and compliance with local labor laws.
• Serve as point of contact for HR and benefits-related employee queries.
• Manage public and private healthcare coverage, renewals, and employee communication.
• Support design and implementation of HR policies and procedures aligned with company objectives and local laws.
• Assist in handling sensitive HR cases including employee relations, contract management, and terminations.
• Collaborate with global HR and finance teams to align payroll and HR practices.
• Maintain relationships with vendors, brokers, customer success managers, and accounting firms.

U.S./Canada Specific HR & Benefits Duties

• Administer health and retirement benefits including open enrollment, renewals, 401(k), ERISA, HSA, and COBRA.
• Manage leave programs such as PTO, sick leave, and state-specific paid leave laws.
• Handle disability claims (short and long-term) and workers' compensation.
• Ensure compliance with employment regulations including I-9 verification, E-Verify, and background checks.
• Support statutory leave programs including maternity, parental (EI-funded), sick leave, and bereavement leave.
• Manage provincial workers’ compensation programs (e.g., WSIB in Ontario).
• Ensure compliance with employment standards acts (e.g., Ontario ESA, BC ESA).
• Handle background checks, just cause termination, and constructive dismissal processes.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of experience in global payroll management with strong focus on US and Canada.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• Payroll/HR Certification:
  • US: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
  • Canada: Payroll Compliance Practitioner (CPP) or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) plus any HR certification (PHR, CPHR, etc.).
• Deep understanding of tax regulations and employment laws in the US and Canada.
• Proven ability to navigate complex payroll and HR challenges with innovative, compliant solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and ownership mindset.
• Proficiency in Google Sheets, analytical skills, and flux analysis.
• Experience with major payroll and HR software such as Workday, Gusto, ADP Workforce Now.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of equity compensation and expat payroll.
• Experience with global mobility practices and employee relocation.
• Benefits management experience outside the US.
• Exposure to payroll processing in European or African countries.
• Experience using BambooHR, Insperity, Dayforce, or Payslip.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary up to $115,200 USD plus a generous equity package.
• Subsidized health insurance for employees and dependents (varies by country).
• Retirement contributions.
• Six months of fully paid parental leave and subsidized fertility assistance.
• Flexible vacation policy, typically 21-30 days excluding statutory holidays.
• $10,000 annual charitable donation matching.
• Annual travel covered once per year to one of the operating countries in Africa.
• Yearly stipend of $1,200 to meet with coworkers.

Location

• Candidates must be based in the Eastern Time Zone, USA.

Additional Information

The organization operates in multiple African countries and has a remote team distributed globally. The role requires a self-starter who values accuracy, compliance, and employee experience, and who can work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.