Payroll Specialist I

Overview

This fully remote professional position manages end-to-end payroll and benefits deductions processing and related payroll administration for employees. The role also provides payroll-related communications and solutions to operational stakeholders, and leads continuous improvement initiatives in payroll processing through research and implementation of best practices that are viable and cost effective.

Responsibilities

• Manage preparation, calculation, and disbursement of wages and salaries for company employees; ensure the integrity of payroll-related information across all payroll systems.
• Establish payroll policies and procedures to ensure payroll is properly prepared and distributed.
• Ensure accounting procedures (journal entries and payroll account reconciliations) are accurate and meet internal and external audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate and complete personnel and payroll files for all employees.
• Respond to employee queries related to payroll and benefits deductions, as well as benefits expense questions, in a professional and discrete manner.
• Implement and administer employee benefits programs, including:
  • Group life insurance
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Disability
  • Pension
  • Profit sharing
  • Group RRSPs
  • WCB
  • Union dues (as they pertain to payroll)
• Communicate payroll and withholding/deduction documentation and materials to employees when changes occur.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on issues impacting payroll processing or payroll information requirements.
• Identify opportunities for procedural improvements and implement approved changes.
• Perform due diligence on employee terminations as they relate to payroll processing to ensure full compliance with payroll taxation regulations.
• Coach and mentor a staff member to serve as a competent backup to the Payroll Administrator to ensure continuity during periods of absence.
• Complete year-end reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager, Human Resources, or their designate.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively work with employees at all levels.
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and provincial employment legislation and CRA rules and regulations as they pertain to payroll.
• Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now and accompanying reports.
• Strong skills in organization, problem-solving, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to convey payroll-related information to branch personnel.
• Working knowledge of how HRIS interfaces with payroll processing is desirable.
• Intermediate level Windows, Word, Excel, e-mail, and PowerPoint.

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in accounting, payroll and benefits administration.
• Canadian Payroll Association Accreditation.
• 6 or more years of payroll experience managing a diverse payroll of 300 employees or more in Canada (across all provinces).
• Experience with Quebec payroll practices considered an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Excellent benefits (details not specified in the provided posting).
• Tuition assistance (details not specified in the provided posting).

Location

• Fully remote.
• The incumbent is expected to maintain a dedicated, secure, and ergonomically appropriate home office environment with reliable high-speed internet connectivity.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining regular communication with colleagues and stakeholders through virtual collaboration tools.