Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Payroll Specialist manages payroll functions for Canadian and US entities, including calculating paychecks, withholding taxes and other deductions, and keeping accurate payroll records. Working closely with the Human Resources department, the specialist must know payroll, tax, wage and hour and benefit laws, and explain payroll processes clearly to employees and managers.

Key responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly, semi-monthly and commission payrolls, as well as off-cycle and on-demand payments
• Process pay in compliance with state law requirements
• Manage time and attendance, including timesheet administration
• Partner with HR on special compensation payments, benefit administration and similar tasks
• Maintain the payroll calendar, procedures and processes, and help implement changes to benefits and deductions due to law or policy changes
• Maintain employee data in the payroll system (salary, benefits, hours worked, transfers and terminations, direct deposit, taxes, deductions, leave, earnings history)
• Handle tax withholding, wage garnishments and child support payments, and respond to employee questions on pay, withholdings, deductions, W-2s and leave accruals
• Handle unemployment tasks and employment verifications, and assist with special projects such as system upgrades, policy creation, audits and ad hoc reporting
• Create payroll journal entries, reconcile key payroll accounts and support month, quarter and year-end close
• Keep payroll files confidential and secure, maintain updated documentation and follow internal controls

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2-3 years of progressive payroll-related experience
• Experience with multi-site or dispersed employee bases
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems; Paylocity experience preferred
• No certificates, licenses or registrations required

Required skills

• Strong oral and written communication and time-management skills
• Detail-oriented, organized and able to work independently and in a team
• Proficiency in technology and automation of processes