Payroll Specialist

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path.

The Payroll Specialist is a member of the Compensation and Benefits team, and reports to the Manager, HR Technology and Payroll. As a Payroll Specialist, you will be responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and timely full‑cycle Canadian payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions. This role manages payroll from batch creation and data validation through pre‑check audits, payroll close, and post‑payroll reporting, ensuring all earnings, deductions, retroactive adjustments, and off‑cycle payments are processed correctly within UKG Pro.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Major Responsibilities

• Execute full‑cycle Canadian payroll processing, including batch creation, data validation, pre‑check audits, payroll close, and post‑payroll reporting


• Prepare, format, import, and reconcile payroll input files in UKG Pro or a comparable HRIS


• Review and resolve payroll exceptions, discrepancies, and audit findings prior to payroll finalization


• Process off‑cycle payments, earnings adjustments, retroactive pay, instant checks, and manual corrections


• Validate employee data changes in coordination with HR, including new hires, terminations, compensation updates, tax, and banking changes


• Prepare, review, and submit Records of Employment (ROEs) ensuring accuracy and legislative compliance


• Support and reconcile CRA and provincial statutory remittances (CPP, EI, income tax, EHT, and other levies)


• Produce and analyze post‑payroll and audit reports; support GL reconciliation with Finance


• Assist with year‑end payroll activities including T4/RL‑1 preparation, payroll balancing, and government reconciliations


• Respond to employee and manager payroll inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality


• Maintain payroll documentation and records in accordance with legislative and organizational requirements


• Collaborate with HR Technology and cross‑functional teams to improve payroll processes and provide operational backup support

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

The position requires a university degree, college diploma, or equivalent work experience, along with a minimum of three years of experience in payroll processing, preferably in a Canadian payroll environment. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills  

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in full-cycle payroll processing, including batch creation, data validation, pre-check auditing, and payroll close


• Solid knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, including CRA requirements, ESA compliance, CPP/EI, ROE processing, and statutory remittances


• Hands-on experience with a payroll/HRIS platform (UKG Pro preferred; Ceridian Dayforce, ADP, or equivalent considered)


• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll finalization


• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment without compromising accuracy


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for import file preparation, data validation, and reconciliation


• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation or working toward certification (National Payroll Institute)


• Experience processing multi-provincial payroll across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec


• Experience in a professional services, legal, or similarly complex organizational environment is an asset

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Compensation

The range of expected compensation for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 annually. Compensation offered will be based on a variety of factors including job-related knowledge, education, skills and experience.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.

Please note that we use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.

No agencies or phone calls/emails please. 

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