Associate Payroll Specialist

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Payroll Specialist based in Canada.
Join a growing professional services team dedicated to helping businesses thrive through reliable financial and operational support. As an Associate Payroll Specialist, you will manage payroll processing for a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with Canadian payroll legislation. You will play an essential role in maintaining payroll records, preparing government remittances, and supporting year-end reporting requirements. Working closely with clients and colleagues, you will resolve payroll inquiries, identify discrepancies, and deliver dependable solutions tailored to each client's needs. This opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys combining analytical work with client relationship management. With a collaborative culture that values accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your expertise and contribute to meaningful business outcomes. The position offers remote or in-office flexibility and a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.

Accountabilities

Payroll Processing: Process accurate and timely payroll for hourly and salaried employees across a diverse client portfolio, ensuring all calculations and transactions are completed correctly and within established deadlines.
Government Remittances and Compliance: Prepare and submit payroll-related government remittances, including source deductions, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) payments, and Employer Health Tax (EHT), in accordance with applicable regulations.
Legislative Administration: Apply relevant employment standards legislation when calculating vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, overtime, termination payments, and other payroll-related entitlements.
Payroll Reporting and Filings: Prepare and submit Records of Employment (ROEs), T4 slips, and other required government forms, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting deadlines.
Client Support and Communication: Serve as a primary contact for payroll-related questions, provide clear and professional guidance, and resolve client concerns efficiently.
Data Verification and Reconciliation: Review payroll information for completeness and accuracy, investigate discrepancies, and implement appropriate corrections to maintain reliable records.
Recordkeeping and Year-End Support: Maintain organized payroll documentation and assist with year-end payroll activities, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
Team Collaboration and Continuous Improvement: Work closely with colleagues to meet client needs, maintain consistent service standards, meet payroll deadlines, and identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.

Requirements

Relevant Experience: One to two years of hands-on payroll processing experience, preferably supporting multiple clients or payroll accounts.
Payroll Knowledge: Understanding of Canadian payroll practices, including source deductions, statutory entitlements, government remittances, payroll reporting, and applicable employment standards.
Payroll Software: Experience working with multiple payroll systems is desirable. Familiarity with QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, and/or Wagepoint is considered an asset.
Education and Professional Development: A Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation or current enrolment in a National Payroll Institute program is an advantage.
Analytical and Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, numerical accuracy, and the ability to review payroll data, identify inconsistencies, and resolve issues effectively.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly and professionally to clients and colleagues.
Client Service Orientation: A demonstrated commitment to responsive, reliable, and professional service, with the ability to build positive relationships and manage inquiries constructively.
Problem-Solving and Initiative: A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to take ownership of tasks and resolve challenges efficiently.
Independent and Collaborative Working Style: Ability to manage competing priorities independently while contributing positively to a team-oriented environment.
Values and Professionalism: A commitment to excellence, accountability, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement, with a focus on delivering high-quality work and exceeding expectations.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation: Starting annual salary ranging from CAD $55,000 to $65,000, depending on education, relevant experience, and skills.
Remote Work Flexibility: Opportunity to work remotely or from the office, providing flexibility to suit different working preferences.
Professional Growth: Opportunities to develop payroll expertise, expand knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, and strengthen client service capabilities.
Collaborative Work Environment: Join a team that values accountability, shared success, open communication, and continuous learning.
Meaningful Client Impact: Support entrepreneurs and businesses by delivering accurate, dependable payroll services that contribute to their operational success.
Innovation and Process Improvement: Work in an environment that encourages new ideas, proactive problem-solving, and improvements to established workflows.
Career Development: Opportunities to build on your payroll experience and grow professionally within a multidisciplinary services environment.