Sr Payroll Specialist

Grainger Businesses • Winnipeg, MB

5d • $74,880 - $102,960 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a key member of the payroll team, responsible for overseeing and executing complex payroll operations with a high degree of accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. This role involves strategic oversight of payroll processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless payroll delivery across multiple jurisdictions. The Senior Payroll Specialist will lead payroll processing for Canada and support global payroll operations, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and internal controls. This role serves as a subject matter expert and mentor within the payroll team, driving operational excellence and supporting organizational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
• 3+ years of progressive experience in payroll, with a focus on Canadian payroll; global payroll experience is a strong asset.
• PCP (Payroll Compliance Practitioner) and/or CPM (Certified Payroll Manager) certification required.
• Proficiency in SAP, ADP, and Kronos preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, including multi-province tax regulations; familiarity with U.S. and global payroll practices is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex payroll operations independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• High level of discretion and integrity in handling confidential information.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and payroll-related software.
• Bilingual in English and French is an asset.

Nice To Haves

• global payroll experience is a strong asset
• familiarity with U.S. and global payroll practices is a plus
• Bilingual in English and French is an asset

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Canadian payroll processing and ensure timely submission to ADP, including pre- and post-payroll audits.
• Oversee off-cycle payrolls, manual payments, and complex payroll adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, including payroll balancing, audit trails, and SOX requirements.
• Manage and reconcile third-party payroll interfaces and inbound/outbound files.
• Responsible for the accurate preparation, validation, and filing of T4 slips and summaries, including amendments and corrections as required.
• Ensure compliance with CRA regulations, statutory reporting deadlines, and year end payroll requirements.
• Investigate and resolve payroll tax discrepancies, including retroactive adjustments and audit inquiries.
• Validate Canadian payroll tax calculations, including federal and provincial income tax, CPP, and EI.
• Prepare T2200 declarations, including identifying eligible employment expenses and coordinating with HR as needed.
• Administer wage garnishments and compensation continuation payments in accordance with legal and policy requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with third-party vendors (e.g., ADP, Kronos, etc.), ensuring service quality and issue resolution.
• Analyze and optimize payroll processes, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Maintain and update payroll documentation, policies, and procedures in alignment with best practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to support payroll audits and ensure compliance readiness.
• Provide expert-level support to internal stakeholders and employees, delivering exceptional service and guidance.
• Lead or contribute to payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, integrations, and compliance initiatives.
• Mentor junior payroll staff and provide training on payroll systems, processes, and compliance topics.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year (dependent on home province)
• Life insurance coverage, including spousal and dependent life insurance.
• Employee Family Assistance Program to help team members with physical, emotional, mental, financial and other concerns
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan & Defined Contribution Pension Plan to help you save for your financial future
• Educational & Professional Membership Fee Assistance program
• Employee discounts, team member perks and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree