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About the Role
The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll services in support of the Firm’s Total Rewards strategy. This role is responsible for end-to-end Canadian payroll administration, legislative compliance, payroll system configuration, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Specialist partners closely with Finance, People & Culture, and external vendors to maintain payroll integrity, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver a high-quality employee experience.
Responsibilities
- Independently administer biweekly full-cycle Canadian payroll processing for salaried and hourly employees, exercising sound judgment and accountability for payroll accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
- Process regular and off-cycle payrolls including bonuses, retroactive pay, adjustments, and corrections.
- Validate payroll inputs such as new hires, terminations, leaves, benefit deductions, garnishments, and taxable benefits.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and provincial payroll legislation and Employment Standards in multiple provinces including Quebec.
- Prepare, review, and reconcile statutory remittances including QPP/CPP, EI, QPIP, income tax, CNESST, Workers’ Compensation, and Employer Health Tax as applicable.
- Monitor legislative changes and recommend process or system updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Lead and support year-end payroll activities including T4/RL-1/T4A preparation, reconciliation, adjustments, and filings.
- Prepare payroll-related reports for Finance, Total Rewards, and internal or external audits.
- Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with Dayforce and Finance.
- Ensure accurate payroll configuration within the HCM system including earning and deduction codes, payroll calendars, and tax settings.
- Ensure integrity, accuracy, and security of payroll data across payroll, time & attendance, benefits, and financial systems.
- Support payroll-related system testing, upgrades, and enhancements.
- Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and timeliness.
- Provide guidance regarding pay statements, statutory deductions, taxable benefits, and year-end tax forms.
- Deliver a high standard of service while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive payroll information.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, efficiency, and controls.
- Support documentation, internal controls, and audit requirements related to payroll.
- Participate in Total Rewards initiatives and cross-functional projects as required.
Requirements
- Post-secondary diploma in Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive Canadian payroll experience, preferably in a complex or multi-jurisdictional environment.
- National Payroll Institute (NPI) PCP or PLP designation strongly preferred.
- Hands-on experience with HCM/payroll systems, Dayforce experience is a strong asset.
- Strong knowledge of Canadian provincial payroll legislation and compliance, including Quebec.
- Demonstrated expertise in Canadian payroll legislation, with particular strength in Québec payroll compliance, including Revenu Québec requirements, RL-1 reporting, QPP, QPIP, CNESST, and Québec Employment Standards legislation.
- Relevant professional designation and/or certifications including Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS); considered an asset.
- Working knowledge of Dayforce or similar HCM environments.
- English is required. French language proficiency is preferred and will be considered a significant asset, given the role's responsibility for payroll administration and compliance and employee support within and outside Quebec.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Advanced attention to detail with reconciliation and audit experience.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality and data privacy.
Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Payroll Administration
- HCM/Payroll Systems
- Canadian Payroll Legislation
- Quebec Payroll Compliance
- Reconciliation
- Auditing
- Problem-solving
- Data Privacy
Location
- Any of our offices
Work Type
- Flexible working options
Experience Level
- Minimum 5 years of progressive Canadian payroll experience
Education Level
- Post-secondary diploma in Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, or a related field.
- National Payroll Institute (NPI) PCP or PLP designation
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
Salary/Compensations
- $75,000 - $85,000
Benefits
- Health, Dental and Vision Care
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life Insurance
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
- 3+ Weeks’ Vacation
- 10 Personal Days
- Maternity Leave Top-up
- Firm matching Group Retirement Savings plan
- Individual TFSA with low fund management fees and competitive investment options
- Wellness spending account
- Professional Development opportunities
- Employee appreciation events
- Charitable giving programs
About the Company
- As a recognized national law firm, we support, grow, and impact our communities through our work. We help entrepreneurs, companies, and professionals shape and build the Canadian economy.
- Miller Thomson LLP is one of Canada’s fastest-growing national business law firms, with ten offices across the country. Our consistent ability to provide practical, creative and cost-effective advice, combined with an unyielding service commitment to our clients and a strong dedication to our lawyers, staff and the communities in which we practice, gives us a unique position in the Canadian legal industry.
Equal Opportunity
- Miller Thomson will provide accommodation on request throughout the recruitment, selection and assessment process for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please inform our People and Culture department of the nature of the accommodation that you may require, to ensure your equal participation.