Senior Payroll Specialist

ROLE

We are currently seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist to join our head office in downtown Calgary. This position is responsible for the accurate and timely full-cycle administration of multiple payroll schedules while supporting organizational growth and evolving payroll requirements. The role requires extensive knowledge of payroll legislation and payroll accounting principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration

• Administer accurate and timely full-cycle payrolls for all employee groups including salaried employees, subcontractors, and international secondees, and manage shadow payroll reporting requirements.
• Process bi-weekly payroll cycles.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll information and employee records.
• Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data prior to payroll submission.
• Audit timesheets and related backup to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project and site requirements.
• Coordinate payroll setup for new hires and process employee terminations.
• Manage payroll activities related to international employees working in Canada.
• Maintain supporting documentation and reconciliations related to shadow payroll activities.
• Maintain time-off tracking and prepare regular reports for managers and ad hoc reports at employees’ request.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal and provincial payroll legislation, employment standards, privacy legislation, and company policies and procedures.
• Prepare payroll reports and analytics for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including tax reporting and reconciliations.
• Support audit requests and provide payroll-related documentation as required.

Accounting, Analysis, and Reconciliations

• Prepare payroll journal entries and month-end accruals in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Perform payroll account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Finance on month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Support labour costing analysis and payroll reporting requirements.

Systems, Process Improvement, and Technology

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiencies.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, process documentation, and training materials.
• Utilize technology and automation tools to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist with testing and implementation of new payroll processes and technology solutions.

Other Responsibilities

• Respond to and resolve employee inquiries and support other ad hoc payroll-related activities.
• Provide cross-coverage for other payroll team members.

Note: In addition to these duties, personnel are required to carry out such other duties as may be reasonably required in order to support the objectives of the company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation is required.
• Post-secondary education in Payroll, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline is required.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll processing is required.
• Construction payroll experience is preferred.
• Experience supporting shadow payroll or internationally mobile employees is considered an asset.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementation is considered an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation and employment standards.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and payroll accounting practices.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Superior attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a permanent position based at our Calgary office with a 5-day work week, 8-hour days.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The Senior Payroll Specialist reports to the Payroll Manager.