Payroll Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Location: Cambridge

Compensation: CA$70,000 - CA$80,000 / year

Description We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our Human Resources team. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources & Labour Relations, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of payroll for approximately 380 union and non-union employees.

This position manages the full payroll cycle, including weekly payroll for hourly employees and semi-monthly payroll for salaried employees. The successful candidate will be responsible for payroll processing, timekeeping, payroll reconciliations, remittances, year-end reporting, employee inquiries, and payroll-related compliance requirements.

The ideal candidate is an experienced payroll professional who can independently manage complex union and non-union payroll. This individual is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Principal Accountabilities

• Process and administer weekly hourly and semi-monthly salaried payroll for approximately 380 employees.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and ensure payroll information is complete, current, and processed in accordance with established deadlines.
• Review and process employee timekeeping information, including timecard corrections, attendance adjustments, overtime, premiums, and other payroll-related changes.
• Apply applicable provisions of the collective agreement as they relate to payroll, including wages, overtime, premiums, vacation, statutory holidays, union dues, and other employee entitlements.
• Verify gross and net pay, deductions, benefits, pension contributions, union dues, garnishments, taxes, and other payroll adjustments.
• Prepare and process employee payments through electronic funds transfer.
• Ensure payroll deductions and remittances are accurately calculated, processed, and submitted within required deadlines.
• Prepare and balance payroll reports, month-end and year-end activities.
• Complete year-end payroll requirements, including T4s and related reporting and reconciliations.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from employees, managers, and other departments and provide guidance on payroll-related matters.
• Support payroll audits, CRA inquiries, and other payroll compliance requirements.
• Prepare payroll reports, statistical information, statements, and summaries as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive employee and payroll information.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and issues in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the Operations team and other departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll information.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable payroll legislation, regulations, and best practices.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Experience & Education:

• Post-secondary diploma or certificate in Payroll Administration, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a medium to large, unionized manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience independently processing payroll for both hourly and salary employees.
• Experience administering payroll in a union environment, including applying collective agreement provisions as they relate to payroll.
• Strong hands-on experience with Ceridian Dayforce Payroll preferred.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation is considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, including federal/provincial employment standards, statutory deductions, CRA requirements, and year-end reporting.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, remittances, T4s, ROEs, and payroll reporting.
• Strong Excel and general computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with employees, managers, and other departments.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive payroll information.

Working Environment:

• Primarily an office-based position within a manufacturing environment.
• Regular full-time work schedule with occasional additional hours to accommodate payroll deadlines or business priorities.
• Generally, requires low physical demands.
• A collaborative Human Resources team.

Benefits of working at CGT

• Opportunity to be a key role in the payroll function of an established manufacturing organization.
• Professional environment with opportunities to apply and further develop payroll expertise.
• Salary commensurate with the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated knowledge
• Comprehensive health benefits including - health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependent family
• RRSP matching program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Safety shoe and safety eyewear program
• Professional development opportunities
• Privately owned Canadian business
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff with high tenure and experience
• 150+ year history
• Company events and celebrations