Payroll accountant

Our client is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Payroll Accountant to join their accounting team for a maternity leave coverage contract. This is a high-volume, fast-paced role supporting a dynamic workforce that scales significantly during peak winter operations. The ideal candidate is pragmatic, highly organized, and thrives under firm payroll deadlines.

Work Arrangement & Location

• On-Site Requirement: This position is 100% on-site (remote work is not available).
• Operational Integration: On-site presence is essential to collaborate directly with mountain leadership and support operations across approximately 16 departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Full-Cycle Processing: Manage end-to-end biweekly payroll processing for a fluctuating workforce, scaling seasonally from ~200 to over 1,000 employees.
• Employee Lifecycle Management: Execute high-volume onboarding, offboarding, rehires, and status changes, particularly during peak seasonal surges.
• Payroll Maintenance: Ensure accurate setup and maintenance of earnings, statutory and benefit-related deductions, and ongoing payroll adjustments.
• Month-End & Reconciliations: Support payroll account reconciliations, month-end close activities, and the preparation of payroll-related journal entries.
• Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to Canadian payroll legislation and British Columbia Employment Standards, including the administration of averaging agreements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with department managers to ensure all onboarding and offboarding documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
• Reporting & Operations: Assist with ad-hoc payroll reporting, audit support, and internal payroll operations, including employee swipe card administration.

Qualifications & Experience

• High-Volume Experience: Proven, hands-on experience managing biweekly payroll for a large employee population (experience limited to small-business or QuickBooks environments will not be sufficient).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid working knowledge of BC Employment Standards and Canadian payroll compliance requirements.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Dayforce (Ceridian) is a strong asset; candidates with extensive experience in ADP, UKG, or comparable enterprise payroll platforms will also be considered.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, strong prioritization skills to manage competing deadlines, and a collaborative, service-oriented communication style.

Preferred Assets

• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation.
• Previous experience supporting seasonal workforces, hospitality/resort operations, or variable-hour environments.

Contract & Schedule Details

• Duration: Full-time maternity leave coverage, expected to run through approximately July/August.
• Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 30-minute unpaid lunch); minor schedule flexibility may be available.
• Peak Demands: Occasional overtime may be required during peak payroll cycles, with time off in lieu potentially offered.

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $65,000 - $73,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Vacation: 4% vacation pay (equivalent to two weeks). (Note: Extended health benefits are not included in this contract).
• Resort Perks: Complimentary full-mountain ski pass, plus staff discounts on food, beverage, and retail.
• Transportation: Seasonal shuttle access may be available during mountain operating months (typically December to April).

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle equipped with winter tires are strongly recommended due to seasonal shuttle schedules and winter driving conditions.

How to Apply Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume to fwhelan@impactrecruitment.ca. Please include a brief cover note highlighting:

The maximum employee headcount you have supported in a payroll capacity.

The enterprise payroll systems you have used.

Your familiarity and comfort level with BC Employment Standards and payroll compliance.

At Aplin - together with our brands CompuStaff, Impact Recruitment, and Vantix Systems - we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers. Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.