Senior Accountant, Payroll (6-month Contract)

Canadian National Railway Company•Montreal, QC

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The incumbent delivers specialized payroll accounting and compliance support for both Canadian and U.S. payroll operations throughout the contract period. This role is responsible for validating and processing time entries, gross earnings, statutory deductions, and vendor remittances, while ensuring accurate payroll execution for unionized and management employees. The position demands precise and timely payroll disbursements under strict deadlines. In addition, the incumbent prepares financial data and reports for internal stakeholders, supporting cross-functional collaboration and aligning with CN’s financial reporting objectives. The role also ensures full compliance with regulatory reporting requirements set by governing bodies such as tax authorities.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of progressive payroll and accounting experience
SAP knowledge in using Human Resources, Payroll and Time modules
Payroll certifications (PCP and PLP)
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Demonstrates agility and drives change
Collaborates with others and shares information
Applies analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance
Continuously innovates to create value, without compromising on safety and quality
Communicates with impact
Excellent knowledge of Canadian and US Payroll rules and legislation
SAP knowledge in Human Resources and Payroll Modules
Excellent knowledge of accounting practices and procedures, Canadian and US payroll disciplines and taxation
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint and Word)
Fluently Bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)

Nice To Haves

Any designation or qualification marked with an asterisk () will be regarded as an asset.

Responsibilities

Carry out all processes related to Canadian and US unionized and management payroll processing and off-cycle runs, including special payments
Ensure accuracy of data transfers between Time system and Payroll system
Ensure quick resolution of all employee pay disputes
Investigate employee overpayments and coordinate recovery of funds
Perform all payroll gross-to-net tasks and third-party remittance processes including final payments to vendors
Ensure timely issuance of all payments to individual tax authorities and be responsible for tax remittances and audits through adherence to current tax regulations
Manage 401K, Benefits and Pension remittance and reporting
Maintain various employee deductions
Carry out all gross to net Ad Hoc reporting requests from CN stakeholders
Ensure compliance with Federal, Provincial and state regulations and guidelines.
Improve queries, report and develop cross-functional reporting solutions
Continuously identify and recommend improvements for systems, technology, and processes to improve efficiency
Manage U.S. tax reporting to various jurisdictions
General ledger account analysis and reconciliation
Coordinate, review and validate year end tax slips
Ensure timely filing of year end summaries and tax slips
Coordinate all external audits as requested by Federal and local tax authorities
Introduce controls that proactively identify errors for both pre- and post-payroll execution and ensure accurate posting of results to CN’s General Ledger.