Payroll Specialist (Contract)

Overview

This is a 4-month contract role with potential to extend, starting in early July, reporting to the Director of Finance. The Payroll Specialist will manage payroll operations across both the United States and Canada for a fast-growing SaaS company serving the utility industry.

Responsibilities

Payroll

• Process timely and accurate payroll across US and Canada every cycle
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local payroll regulations and keep leadership informed
• Manage payroll preparation, employee payments, and resolve discrepancies proactively
• Prepare payroll reports including earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages
• Research and resolve employment tax inquiries; establish tax profiles with relevant jurisdictions
• Handle sensitive payroll information confidentially and professionally
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate payroll processes
• Collaborate on special projects and generate ad hoc reports for internal stakeholders and leadership
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related legal requirements including tax filings and regulatory reporting

Benefits Administration

• Set up new hires and enroll them in benefit plans across US and Canada, including 401(k) and RRSP retirement programs
• Maintain employee benefit accounts and manage changes due to life events
• Serve as a resource for benefits questions and resolve issues promptly
• Note: This role does not include open enrollment responsibilities

Requirements

• Based in the Atlanta, Georgia area (fully remote role but local candidates only)
• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field; CPP designation is a plus
• 2-5 years of payroll experience with hands-on processing in both US and Canada (mandatory)
• Familiarity with benefits administration including retirement plans in both countries
• Deep knowledge of payroll systems and multi-jurisdictional compliance
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems; BambooHR and PayEvo experience is an asset
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive data with care
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate at all organizational levels
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing situations

Compensation & Benefits

• Remote-first environment with flexible working hours across North America
• Competitive total rewards package
• MacBook provided plus $800 for home workspace setup
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
• Generous paid time off and unlimited sick days
• RRSP (Canada) and 401(k) (US) matching programs
• $2,500 annual professional development fund, tuition assistance, and book reimbursement
• Annual company events and team offsites

Location

• Remote role requiring candidates to be based in the Atlanta, Georgia area

Additional Information

• The employer is committed to equal opportunity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of protected characteristics.
• Accommodations are available during the interview process upon request.
• Final candidates will undergo background checks and identity verification as part of compliance procedures.