Payroll & Total Rewards Specialist (12-Month Contract | Hybrid – Toronto)

Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll & Total Rewards Specialist to provide hands-on support during a maternity leave. This role oversees biweekly payroll processing, compensation administration, and benefits coordination across Canada and the U.S., ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll for approximately 300 non-unionized employees across Canada and the U.S. (salaried, bonus, and RSU-based pay structures).

• Administer compensation programs, including bonuses, incentive payouts, and RSU distributions, with precision during the December compensation cycle.

• Act as the main point of contact for payroll inquiries, benefits coordination, and total rewards-related matters.

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure compliance with Canadian (T4, CPP, EI) and U.S. (W2, federal/state taxes) payroll regulations.

• Collaborate with Legal and Finance to support entity-specific payroll requirements and documentation.

• Support the transition of payroll operations through ADP, ensuring data integrity and accurate reporting.

• Coordinate onboarding for contractors, including invoicing, background checks, and reference verification within the agency’s scope of support.

• Work closely with the VP of Total Rewards to ensure alignment with organizational compensation and compliance policies.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Canadian and U.S. payroll; UK exposure is an asset.

• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, benefits administration, and compliance.

• Hands-on experience with ADP systems is strongly preferred.

• Advanced Excel skills and comfort handling large datasets.

• High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.

• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation (or in progress) is preferred.

We’re an equal opportunity employer committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in today’s workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Minorities, women, LGBTQ candidates, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you require an accommodation, please review our accessibility policy and reach out to our accessibility officer with any questions.