Senior Payroll Specialist

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist in Canada.

This role is a key function within a fast-paced, multi-provincial payroll environment where accuracy, compliance, and timeliness are critical. You will be responsible for managing end-to-end Canadian payroll operations while ensuring full adherence to federal and provincial regulations. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure seamless payroll execution and employee support. The position also plays a strong role in process improvement, system optimization, and payroll-related projects. You will contribute to maintaining data integrity, supporting audits, and enhancing payroll efficiency across systems and workflows. This is a highly detail-oriented role that combines operational execution with analytical problem-solving and continuous improvement in a regulated environment.

• Process full-cycle Canadian payroll across multiple provinces, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution.
• Validate payroll data, investigate discrepancies, and implement corrective actions when required.
• Manage payroll-related employee lifecycle transactions including hires, terminations, leaves, ROEs, and adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with CRA regulations and provincial employment and tax legislation.
• Handle statutory remittances such as CPP, EI, and income tax contributions.
• Prepare and support year-end reporting activities including T4, T4A, and RL-1 filings.
• Reconcile payroll outputs with the general ledger and support finance reporting requirements.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with accuracy and professionalism.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure smooth payroll operations.
• Participate in audits and ensure payroll documentation is complete and compliant.
• Lead or support payroll system updates, configuration changes, and process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain payroll SOPs, documentation, and workflow standards to ensure consistency.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of Canadian payroll experience with demonstrated expertise in full-cycle payroll processing.
• PCP certification is required; CPM certification is considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of CRA rules and provincial payroll legislation across Canada.
• Hands-on experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP Workforce Now, or ADP Workforce Manager.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel for reporting, reconciliation, and data analysis.
• Experience with payroll audits, compliance processes, and year-end reporting cycles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and support employees effectively.
• Experience with Quebec payroll and/or global payroll exposure is an asset.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify and implement process enhancements.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package based on experience, skills, and location.
• Opportunity to work in a highly regulated, detail-oriented payroll environment.
• Exposure to multi-provincial payroll operations and complex compliance frameworks.
• Involvement in payroll system improvements, automation, and transformation projects.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams including HR, Finance, and external partners.
• Support for professional certifications and ongoing development.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements depending on role requirements.
• Comprehensive employment benefits package including health and wellness coverage.