Payroll Specialist

Velan Inc.•Montreal, QC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Velan is a global leader in the design and manufacture of industrial valves. Founded in Montreal, the company is recognized for the quality of its products, its technical expertise, and its human and collaborative corporate culture. We are currently looking for Payroll Specialist who will report to the Manager, Payroll & Systems, and will play a key role in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll for Velan employees in both Canada and the United States. This position is responsible for all payroll administration activities, including the calculation of wages, deductions, taxable benefits, and statutory contributions, while ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and labour standards. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure data integrity, efficient issue resolution, and support for internal and external audits. Through strong technical expertise and a high level of rigor, this role contributes directly to regulatory compliance, financial reliability, and the employee experience at Velan.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant payroll experience in Canada and US
Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation and tax obligations (Québec and other provinces)
Experience with an integrated payroll and/or HR system, preferably ADP Workforce Now
Demonstrated experience in payroll reconciliations, controls, and compliance
PCP or Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP/LAP) certification (or in progress)
Strong U.S. payroll experience, including tax compliance and year‑end reporting, considered a major asset
Experience in a multi‑provincial and/or cross‑border (Canada/U.S.) environment
Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment
Advanced Excel skills (analysis, validation, reporting)
Experience participating in payroll process improvement, standardization, or transformation initiatives
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and respect for deadlines
Strong analytical skills and ability to resolve complex issues
Discretion, sound judgment, and integrity in handling confidential information
Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
Autonomy, initiative, and a solution‑oriented mindset

Responsibilities

Prepare, process, and validate regular and special payroll cycles (off‑cycle payrolls, adjustments, retroactive payments, bonuses) according to established calendars
Verify the accuracy of hours worked, leaves, absences, premiums, taxable benefits, and deductions
Process payroll transactions related to hires, status or compensation changes, and terminations, including final payments
Maintain complete, accurate, and up‑to‑date payroll records in compliance with legal, internal, and control requirements
Perform pre‑payroll and post‑payroll validations to identify and correct discrepancies
Calculate, withhold, and remit required payroll deductions and contributions to government authorities (federal, provincial/state)
Ensure compliance with Canadian and U.S. payroll, tax, and labour standards legislation
Participate in the preparation and submission of required statutory and government reports
Perform payroll reconciliations (gross/net payroll, deductions, statutory contributions, employee benefits)
Assume responsibility for year‑end payroll activities, including the validation of annual earnings, deductions, and taxable benefits, as well as the preparation, production, and compliance of tax slips (T4, Relevé 1, W‑2, as applicable), in collaboration with Finance and Human Resources
Analyze, explain, and document variances; propose corrective actions and ensure audit trail and control documentation
Perform financial reconciliations related to group insurance plans, including payroll deductions, taxable benefits, vendor billings, and the analysis and documentation of variances for audit purposes
Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure the accuracy of payroll‑related journal entries and liability accounts
Respond to employee and manager inquiries related to payroll, deductions, and tax matters in a professional and timely manner
Act as a subject‑matter resource for complex, sensitive, or confidential payroll cases
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and the evolution of payroll practices and internal controls