Payroll Specialist

Role overview

The Payroll Specialist will report to the Group Controller and will be responsible for running accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and benefits administration for roughly 230 employees in Canada and the United States. This is a full-cycle payroll role covering processing, benefits support, statutory filings, payroll reconciliations, reporting, and assistance with month-end and year-end accounting tasks.

In this position, you will work closely with Finance, People & Culture, and employees across the business to answer payroll questions and keep processes accurate and efficient. The right candidate will be highly organized, detail-focused, and comfortable working in a role where precision, accountability, and teamwork are essential.

Compensation

Pay starts at $75,000 per year, with final pay depending on experience.

Benefits and culture

• Opportunity to join an essential industry with steady demand, long-term stability, and ongoing growth.
• Access to a benefits package that includes extended health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, a monthly profit-sharing bonus, and an Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Paid internal and external training, along with ongoing learning opportunities to support career progression.
• A lively workplace culture with team activities such as outings, pub nights, virtual games, spirit weeks, and community volunteer initiatives.
• Room to contribute ideas and help shape improvements across the business.
• Work with a respected organization that has a strong standing in the communities it serves.

Payroll processing

• Run bi-weekly payroll for around 240 hourly and salaried employees in Canada and the United States.
• Check and confirm timecards, overtime, vacation, and leave details before processing.
• Handle payroll questions from employees, managers, and outside agencies such as Service Canada and the USA SSA.
• Keep employee payroll records complete, current, and accurate.
• Maintain earning codes and time-off rules so they stay aligned with company policy and legal requirements.
• Prepare commission reports and enter approved commission information into payroll and accounting systems.
• Process new hires, pay adjustments, promotions, status changes, and other payroll-related employee updates.

Compliance and remittance

• Retain payroll records and supporting documents for audits and statutory compliance.
• Ensure payroll practices follow relevant federal, provincial/state, and local employment standards, tax rules, and payroll laws.
• Prepare and submit remittances such as CPP, EI, income tax, WCB/WorkSafeBC, EHT, garnishments, RRSP, and other required deductions, as well as U.S. items including FICA, workers’ compensation, and IRA.
• Prepare and file Records of Employment and other payroll submissions within required deadlines.
• Support year-end processes, including T4 and T4A preparation, reconciliation, and distribution, plus U.S. W-2 and 1099 forms.
• Track legislative changes and suggest updates to payroll policies, practices, and procedures when needed.

Reporting and reconciliation

• Reconcile payroll registers, liabilities, benefits deductions, and related general ledger accounts.
• Prepare budget-versus-actual comparisons and variance analysis for management.
• Assist business unit managers with payroll reports, analytics, and report development.

Systems and process improvement

• Contribute to payroll, reporting, and process improvement projects.
• Maintain payroll system access controls while protecting data integrity and security.
• Look for ways to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and reporting capabilities.
• Carry out additional duties assigned by the Group Controller or VP of Finance.

Qualifications and experience

This role calls for at least 3 years of hands-on experience handling full-cycle Canadian payroll administration. Experience with payroll systems, especially ADP Workforce Now, is preferred. U.S. payroll experience, particularly in Texas, is considered a strong advantage.

A Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation from the National Payroll Institute is required. Candidates should have a strong working knowledge of payroll legislation, employment standards, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements, along with a solid grasp of payroll accounting concepts such as benefit reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries. Intermediate Excel skills are also needed for analysis, reconciliation, and data validation.

Interpersonal strengths

• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters in a professional way.
• Strong service mindset and a commitment to providing a positive experience for employees.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when working with payroll data and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use good judgment with private employee records.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to spot issues, fix discrepancies, and suggest improvements.
• Self-directed work style with ownership and accountability.
• Collaborative approach and the ability to build strong relationships across teams.

Additional information

Location: Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Employment type: full-time, onsite.

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