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. This fully remote position requires candidates to be based in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• Process timely and accurate payroll across multiple jurisdictions in the US and Canada for every pay cycle
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, provincial, and local payroll regulations and inform leadership of relevant changes
• Manage payroll preparation, employee payments, and resolve discrepancies proactively
• Prepare detailed payroll reports including earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages
• Research and resolve employment tax inquiries and discrepancies; 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 with benefit plans across the US and Canada, including 401(k) and RRSP retirement programs
• Maintain and update employee benefit accounts, managing changes and life events
• Serve as a resource for employee 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, local candidates only)
• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus
• 2-5 years of hands-on payroll experience processing payroll in both the US and Canada (mandatory)
• Strong 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; familiarity with BambooHR and PayEvo is advantageous
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive data with discretion
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across all organizational levels
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package
• Remote-first work environment with flexible hours
• MacBook provided plus $800 allowance for home office setup
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage from day one
• Generous paid time off and unlimited sick days
• Retirement plan matching: RRSP (Canada) and 401(k) (US)
• $2,500 annual professional development fund, tuition assistance, and book reimbursement program
• 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.