Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist – Canada Payroll

Join a growing organization where payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational support are critical to employee success.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to support the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for approximately 2,000 Canadian employees. This role serves as a senior-level payroll resource, supporting complex payroll matters including union payroll, payroll audits, tax compliance, reconciliations, and employee issue resolution.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Canadian payroll regulations, CRA compliance, union payroll processing, and payroll systems, while thriving in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Process and review payroll for Canadian employees, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll execution
• Audit payroll data, timekeeping records, deductions, adjustments, and special pay items prior to payroll processing
• Ensure compliance with Canadian payroll laws, CRA regulations, union agreements, and applicable provincial requirements
• Review and process payroll adjustments including bonuses, retroactive pay, reimbursements, corrections, and other special payments
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records including tax forms, direct deposits, deductions, and employment status updates

Payroll Analysis & Reconciliation

• Prepare and review payroll reconciliations, audit reports, tax filings, and year-end payroll documentation
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee concerns, and escalated payroll issues
• Ensure accurate processing of garnishments, levies, child support, and court-ordered deductions
• Support payroll audits, compliance reviews, and documentation requests

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with HR, Accounting, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure accurate payroll and employee data
• Serve as a key resource for complex payroll questions and issue resolution
• Provide support and guidance to payroll team members regarding payroll procedures and compliance standards

Systems & Process Improvement

• Support payroll system updates, testing, reporting, and process improvement initiatives
• Maintain data integrity within payroll systems and reporting tools
• Assist with identifying opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, accuracy, and compliance processes

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of payroll experience, including high-volume Canadian payroll processing
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll regulations, CRA compliance, and union payroll administration
• Experience processing payroll for large employee populations in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with UKG payroll systems required
• Experience with ERP/payroll reporting systems and advanced payroll reconciliations
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting unionized employee groups
• Bilingual in French and English strongly preferred for candidates located in Quebec
• Payroll certification or related professional designation is a plus

Key Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and payroll accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments
• Ability to work independently while supporting a team-oriented environment