Senior Payroll Specialist

AZ Accounting is a Canadian accounting and advisory firm helping businesses simplify their finances and grow with confidence. We provide a wide range of services, including bookkeeping, corporate and personal tax, payroll, financial reporting, business advisory, and fractional CFO services.

We combine professional expertise with modern cloud-based technology to deliver accurate, reliable, and responsive support to our clients. Our team works with businesses across a variety of industries, from startups and small businesses to established organizations.

At AZ Accounting, we value teamwork, attention to detail, continuous learning, and excellent client service. We offer a fully remote work environment, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development and growth. We're proud to support our clients while helping our team members build their skills and careers.

Job Description

This is a remote position.

Job Summary

Love working with numbers, but not the rigid in office, 9-to-5? At AZ Accounting, we're building a team of genuinely personable professionals who take pride in their work and enjoy the freedom to manage their own schedules and work fully remotely. As our Senior Payroll Specialist, you'll help keep our clients' finances organized, their payroll running smoothly, and their businesses on track. If you're detail-oriented, experienced, and someone who enjoys building relationships while delivering great work, we'd love to meet you.

Job Role

You'll be a trusted part of our accounting team, managing payroll for a variety of clients across different industries. From processing payroll and ensuring accurate calculations to handling CRA remittances and meeting important deadlines, you'll take ownership of your assigned client files and make sure everything runs smoothly.

You'll work independently while staying connected with a supportive team that's always there when you need it. We're looking for someone who knows Canadian payroll inside and out, can confidently manage their workload, spot issues before they become problems, and bring both experience and a personable approach to every client relationship. If you have bookkeeping experience too, that's a great bonus!

Project Goals

Deliver accurate, timely, and reliable payroll services for clients across various industries

Take ownership of assigned payroll files, ensuring deadlines are met and work stays on track

Ensure compliance with CRA requirements, including statutory deductions, remittances, T4s, and Records of Employment (ROEs)

Maintain accurate and organized payroll records, ensuring all information is up to date

Build strong, professional relationships with clients through clear communication and dependable service

Identify payroll discrepancies, resolve issues, and proactively recommend improvements to payroll processes

Help streamline payroll workflows and create efficiencies that make managing client files easier

Support the accounting team with payroll-related reporting, reconciliations, and year-end requirements

Confidently communicate with the CRA by phone to resolve payroll-related issues, address discrepancies, and follow up on outstanding matters

Why You'll Love It Here

Work on your own schedule

A team that values personality, professionalism, and taking ownership

The opportunity to manage a variety of clients and industries

Room to share your expertise, improve processes, and grow professionally

A culture built on trust, flexibility, and doing great work together

Requirements

Required Skills

Advanced knowledge of Canadian payroll processing, including regular pay runs, statutory deductions, CRA remittances, and year-end reporting

Strong understanding of Canadian payroll legislation, provincial employment standards, and CRA compliance requirements

Proficiency with QuickBooks Online (QBO), Wagepoint, Rippling and experience managing payroll for multiple clients

Experience preparing and filing T4s, T4 summaries, Records of Employment (ROEs), and other required payroll documentation

Confidence communicating directly with the CRA by phone to resolve payroll-related issues, investigate discrepancies, and follow up on outstanding matters

Ability to review payroll records, identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and resolve problems independently

Experience handling payroll adjustments, taxable benefits, vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, and employee terminations

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients, priorities, and payroll deadlines

Excellent written and verbal communication with a friendly, professional approach

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information

Comfort with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams)

Ability to manage your own workload, stay within assigned budgets, and communicate proactively when additional time or support is needed

Preferred Skills

Experience working in a CPA firm, bookkeeping practice, or other multi-client accounting environment

Experience with additional payroll platforms such as ADP, Ceridian Dayforce, or similar software

Experience with QuickBooks Online Payroll

Hands-on bookkeeping experience, including bank reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger management

Familiarity with TaxDome, Zoho One or other practice management and workflow systems

Experience handling more complex payroll matters, including CRA account discrepancies, payroll corrections, and compliance-related inquiries

Experience supporting payroll reconciliations and year-end accounting requirements

Qualifications

5+ years of hands-on experience processing Canadian payroll, including independently managing full payroll cycles

Payroll Management Professional (PMP) designation is required

Previous experience managing payroll for multiple clients, preferably within a CPA firm, bookkeeping practice, or payroll services environment

Diploma or degree in accounting, payroll administration, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience

Strong understanding of Canadian payroll legislation, CRA reporting requirements, and applicable provincial employment standards

A self-motivated, dependable, and personable professional who is comfortable working independently on a flexible schedule

A proactive problem-solver who takes ownership of their work, communicates openly, and knows when to ask questions

Why You'll Love Working With AZ Accounting

Flexibility that fits your life. Work when and where you're most productive, while staying connected with your clients and team.

Take ownership of your work. Manage your own client files, build relationships, and have the freedom to approach your work with confidence.

A personable, supportive team. We're people first. You'll work with a team that's approachable, collaborative, and genuinely enjoys what they do.

Variety that keeps things interesting. Work with clients across different industries, each bringing unique challenges and opportunities to learn.

Room to grow. Share your expertise, strengthen your skills, and take on more responsibility as we grow.

Tools that set you up to succeed. Work with QuickBooks Online, modern accounting technology, and streamlined processes that help you stay organized.

Trust over micromanagement. We hire experienced professionals, give them the tools and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.