Human Resources - Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Cosmetica is recognized for innovation, excellence, and commercialization with award-winning products. From concept to creation, we offer an unparalleled array of services that will inspire, create and deliver every step of the way. We value and recognize talent and want you to help us create beauty in the world! At Cosmetica Laboratories, we are committed to growing our internal employees and developing them to become the best version of themselves.

Title:                Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Reports To:     Chief People Officer

Department:     Human Resources

Location:         Hybrid

Status:             Full Time Salary

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist will manage and oversee the end-to-end payroll processes for both the Canada and United States, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. In addition to overseeing payroll processing, this role will handle employee benefits administration, work with HR and finance teams, and provide strategic support to ensure compliance with all federal, state, provincial, and local payroll and benefits regulations. This position will require deep knowledge of payroll systems, tax regulations, and benefits programs in both countries.

Essential Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

Payroll Ownership:

• Oversee and manage the payroll processing for both Canadian & US employees, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, and other payroll-related items. 
• Oversee and manage the payroll processing for both Canadian & US employees, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, and other payroll-related items. 
• Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable tax laws, including federal, state/provincial, and local tax regulations in both Canada and the US. 
• Ensure that all payroll adjustments, including garnishments, retroactive payments, and corrections, are processed accurately and timely. 
• Provide detailed payroll reports to management and assist with audits and financial reporting. 
• Lead the year-end payroll processing, including preparation of T4, T4A, W-2, and other required tax documents, ensuring compliance with all tax filings. 
• Manage the integration of payroll data with the company's financial system, ensuring that payroll expenses are accurately recorded. 

Benefits Ownership:

• Manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement savings plans (401k for US, RRSP for Canada), wellness programs, life insurance, and other employee benefits. 
• Provide guidance and support to employees regarding their benefits options, eligibility, and enrollment. 
• Ensure the accurate and timely administration of benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations. 
• Coordinate with external benefits providers to resolve any issues and ensure that benefits deductions and contributions are accurately processed. 
• Oversee the annual benefits open enrollment process and communicate benefits options and changes to employees. 
• Maintain a strong understanding of benefit laws and regulations in both countries, ensuring that programs remain compliant with regulatory changes (e.g., ACA, CPP, EI). 

Compliance & Reporting:

• Stay up to date with current payroll and benefits legislation in both Canada and the US and ensure payroll processing and benefits programs remain compliant with all applicable regulations. 
• Generate reports for management, tax filings, and compliance audits, ensuring that payroll and benefits data are accurate and complete. 

• Prepare and file all necessary payroll-related tax reports, including state/provincial and federal tax filings, and manage third-party reporting. 
• Respond to internal and external inquiries related to payroll and benefits compliance and address any issues promptly. 
• Lead and manage payroll and benefits audits, both internal and external, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance. 

Process Improvement & System Optimization:

• Recommend, implement, and maintain improvements in payroll and benefits systems, policies, and procedures. 
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to optimize payroll and benefits software and HRIS systems for enhanced efficiency and reporting capabilities. 
• Lead projects aimed at improving payroll operations, data integrity, and employee satisfaction. 

Employee Relations & Support:

• Act as a point of contact for employees with payroll and benefits questions or concerns, ensuring that inquiries are addressed promptly and professionally. 
• Provide guidance to employees on issues related to taxation, benefits, and payroll-related matters. 
• Manage complex payroll-related disputes or discrepancies and work towards resolutions that align with company policies and local regulations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with the HR team on employee onboarding, offboarding, and other lifecycle processes to ensure seamless transitions regarding payroll and benefits. 
• Work closely with the finance and accounting teams to ensure the accurate integration of payroll and benefits data into financial reporting and analysis. 
• Collaborate with management and HR leadership on compensation strategy and benefits design to ensure they align with company objectives and legal requirements. 

Other Duties:

• Maintain and update payroll records and employee files in HRIS systems. 
• Provide support for audits or reviews as needed (internal, external, or government-related). 
• Continuously improve payroll and benefits processes to increase efficiency and accuracy. 
• Conduct all work duties as per the Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations, the health, safety & environmental policies, procedures, and policies of Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. 
• Perform any other reasonable assignments given by the Department Management or his/her designates.

Company Values:

• • Make a Difference Every Day
  • Be Respectful Always
  • Exceed Customer Expectations
  • Foster Collaboration
  • Act Like an Owner

Core Competencies

• • Payroll processing and compliance
  • Dayforce expertise
  • Benefits administration
  • Payroll reconciliation and auditing
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Confidentiality and integrity
  • Problem-solving and sound judgment
  • Time management and deadline discipline

Leadership

• N/A

Education and/or Experience 

• Postgraduate education in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A recognized payroll designation, specifically Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) or Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP).
• A minimum of five years of relevant payroll experience, including Canadian and U.S. payroll administration.
• Experience administering employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll requirements, including CPP, EI, statutory deductions, remittances, and year-end reporting, as well as U.S. payroll requirements, including FICA, withholding, and 401(k) administration.
• Experience managing complex payroll processes, reconciling data, investigating discrepancies, and resolving employee inquiries.
• Proficiency with payroll and benefits systems. Experience with Dayforce is a strong asset.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, including the ability to work accurately with large datasets.
• Ability to work effectively with HR, Finance, and senior leadership on payroll, benefits, and compensation matters.
• Clear communication, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities while meeting fixed payroll deadlines.

Language & Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills, including the ability to explain pay, benefits and compensation information accurately and sensitively to employees and managers.
• Ability to handle confidential or difficult inquiries with discretion, sound judgment and timely follow-through; additional languages are an asset.     

Physical Working Environment 

• Office-based work in a manufacturing setting, with regular use of a computer and extended periods of seated work.
• Occasional movement between office and operational areas, subject to applicable site safety requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Technical Skills 

• Strong proficiency with payroll and HR information systems, time and attendance tools, benefit provider portals and Microsoft Excel, including reconciliations, lookups and pivot tables.
• Proven knowledge of Canadian payroll administration, statutory deductions and remittances, employment standards, benefit deductions and payroll reporting.
• Ability to analyze payroll and compensation data, find discrepancies, document controls and produce clear, accurate reports.

Other Qualifications

• High attention to detail, strong organization and the ability to meet fixed payroll deadlines while managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, customer service and ability to work independently across HR, Finance and external partners.
• Ability to improve processes, maintain clear documentation and escalate risks or unresolved issues promptly.

Total Rewards:

The expected base salary range for this role is $65,000 – $85,000 CAD.

In addition to base compensation Cosmetica offers a competitive total rewards package which may include bonus eligibility, equity, benefits, retirement plans, paid time away from work, etc.

Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Additional Information

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. utilizes AI-assisted tools as part of its recruitment and hiring process. These tools are used to enhance equity, efficiency and consistency. All hiring decisions are made by qualified personnel in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates,

Interested candidates are welcome to submit their resume and cover letter directly to this posting by October 27, 2026. We thank all candidates for their interest however, only candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and one which reflects the diversity of the community in which we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please advise when submitting your application.