About the Role:

Reporting to the Payroll and Benefits Manager, the Senior Payroll Administrator is accountable for ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing across multiple provinces in Canada, multiple sates in the US and varying business lines for the organization. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in payroll operations, including reviewing and processing payroll, maintaining employee records, administrering statutory deductions and benefits, and collaborating with HR, finance, and external vendors. The Senior Payroll Administrator ensures adherence to all applicable federal and provinical regulations, implements process improvements, resolves complex payroll issues, and provides a level of team leadership and guidance to the full bi-weekly payroll processes.

Responsibilities

1.      Payroll Processing and Oversight

• Process and oversee end-to-end processing of multi-provincial (Canada) and multi-state (U.S.) payrolls (hourly, salary, union, and/or contract employees)
• Review payroll entries for accuracy, including hours, earnings, deductions, benefits, and adjustments
• Ensure payroll is completed accurately and delivered on time each pay period
• Approve payroll transactions and support payroll team members

2.      Compliance and Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with CRA and IRS regulations, Employment Standards, Tax legislation and company policies
• Handle complex payroll issues such as terminations, retro pay, garnishments, taxable benefits, year-end reporting
• Stay up to date on legislation updates and implement required changes
• Prepare and distribute year-end documents (T4, T4A, W2, amendments, etc.)

3.      Systems and Process Improvement

• Act as a payroll subject-matter expert for payroll systems (e.g. Avanti, ADP)
• Test system upgrades, troubleshoot issues, and maintain system configuration
• Identify opportunities to optimize workflows and improve payroll accuracy and efficiency

4.      Reporting and Reconciliation

• Reconcile payroll accounts
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and analysis

5.      Employee and Manager Support

• Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll inquiries from employees and managers
• Provide guidance on payroll policies, practices, and statutory requirements
• Train, mentor, and support payroll team members as needed
• Prepare analysis and/or reports as required

6.      Benefit and Deduction Administration

• Assist in the administration of payroll-related benefit calculations: health plans, RRSP/RPP/401(k), leaves, garnishments, etc.

7.      Audits and Controls

• Lead and support internal and external audits; ensure strong internal controls are maintained (e.g., financial auditors, worker’s compensation, etc.)
• Conduct regular payroll audits to catch errors before processing
• Ensure high-quality documentation and record retention

8.      Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with HR, Finance and IT on data integrity, employee changes, and policy updates
• Assist in compensation changes, merit cycles, bonus payouts, and special projects, in accordance with instructions provided
• Other duties as assigned by the Payroll Manager

Requirements

• Relevant Post Secondary Education in Financial Accounting, and Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation is a strong asset.
• 4+ years of payroll processing experience in high-volume, complex environment
• Experience processing payroll for unionized employees, non-union employees and Salary employees
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Avanti, ADP Workforce Now and NetSuite is an asset along with the ability to quickly learn new computer applications
• Strong detail orientation with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, and builds credibility with stakeholders at all levels
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, be proactive and resourceful
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, internal controls and policies.
• Must be able to handle confidential information in an ethical and professional manner.
• Needs to be responsible, accountable and dependable
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude
• Strong safety mindset
• Overtime as required