Senior Payroll Specialist

ROLEWe 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 RESPONSIBILITIESPayroll 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 REQUIREMENTSEducation
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 CONDITIONSThis is a permanent position based at our Calgary office with a 5‑day work week, 8‑hour days.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPSThe Senior Payroll Specialist reports to the Payroll Manager.
Department: Finance
This is a permanent position
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