[Hiring] Senior Payroll Specialist @Vantage Group

Role Description

The Senior Payroll Specialist independently oversees complex, multi-jurisdictional payroll operations across Canada, the United States and international locations. The role provides technical payroll leadership, ensures regulatory compliance, strengthens controls, resolves escalated issues and leads system and process improvements. As a senior member of the Total Rewards team, the position serves as a subject-matter expert and trusted partner to Payroll, Human Resources, Finance and business leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payrolls for Corporate Office and designated Canadian and U.S. entities, including unionized and non-unionized employees.
• Process accurate and timely monthly payrolls for designated international entities.
• Ensure payroll processing, deductions, remittances, and reporting comply with applicable legislation, collective agreements, and company policies.
• Support payroll optimization initiatives, organizational growth, special projects, and merger and acquisition activities.
• Administer, maintain, and enhance ADP Workforce Now, including payroll configurations, issue resolution, system upgrades, module implementations, data conversions, testing, and process improvements.
• Maintain effective payroll procedures and internal controls, identify and mitigate risks, and escalate critical issues as required.
• Coordinate and complete year-end payroll activities, including T4s, W-2s, workers' compensation reporting, and statutory reconciliations.
• Process off-cycle payrolls and complex payroll transactions, including bonuses, retroactive payments, terminations, and special adjustments.
• Monitor changes to payroll legislation and coordinate required updates to payroll processes, controls, and systems.
• Prepare payroll calculations, reconciliations, reports, and variance analyses; investigate and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll approval.
• Support internal and external payroll audits, respond to information requests, and maintain accurate payroll documentation and records.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in accordance with service standards and escalate complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.
• Coordinate benefits-related invoicing, employee changes, and plan renewals with third-party providers.
• Maintain accurate employee and payroll information within the HRIS.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure accurate payroll coding, reconciliations, and general ledger mappings.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to Payroll Specialists and other team members, as required.
• Safeguard confidential payroll and employee information in accordance with privacy legislation, company policies, and data security requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting or a related discipline.
• Payroll Practitioner designation such as Certified Payroll Manager (CPM), Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation from the National Payroll Institute is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7 to 10 years related Canadian and US payroll experience.

Skills & Capabilities

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and payroll-related general ledger processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with employees, leaders, and external partners.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of accountability and ownership in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and demonstrate cultural awareness and inclusivity.
• Curious and innovative mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for process improvements while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines and changing priorities.
• Ability to think strategically while balancing operational requirements and day-to-day execution.
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to providing timely and effective support to employees and stakeholders.

Benefits

• The expected annual compensation for this position includes a base salary of $85,000 to $125,000, plus eligibility to participate in the Company's annual incentive program.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Access to a global team of talented professionals.
• Boundless opportunities to make your mark within our organization.

Work Authorization

Only qualified candidates who are legally authorized to work Canada will be considered.

AI Disclosure

We may use artificial intelligence-powered tools to support candidate sourcing. All applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition and Hiring teams, and all selection and hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers.

Vacancy Disclosure

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Accommodation for Applicants

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide appropriate support, and requesting an accommodation will not affect your consideration for employment.