Payroll & Benefits Manager - US and Canada

Robert Half

  • Toronto, ON
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
Job Description:We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee and manage the full-cycle payroll and benefits administration for both Canada and the U.S. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and benefits processes, while also supporting employees with a high level of customer service.The successful candidate will be a subject matter expert in payroll and benefits, highly organized, and adaptable to changing priorities. During peak business periods, this individual must be flexible and prepared to work longer hours, including weekends, to meet critical deadlines.It is a contract role for 18 mon (maternity leave coverage).Primarily remote work environment. Occasional in-office day may be required in North York office.Key Responsibilities will include:Payroll Management & Compliance
  • Manage and process semi-monthly payroll for Canada and the U.S., including all updates related to new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, and leaves of absence.
  • Ensure accurate calculation, balancing, and remittance of payroll deductions, statutory withholdings, garnishments, and support orders.
  • Handle employment verifications and unemployment benefit claims.
  • Maintain compliance with payroll legislation in both Canada and the U.S., including year-end reporting (T2200, T4, W-2, W-9, etc.).
  • Prepare payroll reports, journal entries, reconciliations, and payroll submissions for approval.
  • Maintain detailed payroll records and documentation for management review and audits in compliance with statutory requirements and company policies.
  • Collaborate with Finance to provide payroll details for general ledger reconciliations and month-end close.
  • Complete and submit payroll-related government surveys in Canada and the U.S. as required.
Benefits Administration
  • Administer Canadian and U.S. benefit programs including Life Insurance, AD& D, LTD, Medical/Dental, Optional Life, COBRA Continuation Coverage, and Executive Medicals.
  • Ensure employees are correctly enrolled in benefit plans and provide onboarding/orientation for new hires.
  • Reconcile benefit invoices and monitor ongoing enrollments.
  • Manage pension and retirement programs (Group RRSP/401K) in Canada and the U.S.
  • Administer employee leave of absence programs, including statutory leaves, disability leaves, and unpaid leaves.
  • Oversee benefits governance, compliance, and documentation.
  • Liaise with carriers and brokers to resolve claims issues and manage renewals.
  • Coordinate with provincial/state workers' compensation agencies (e.g., WSIB, WorkSafe, WCB, WSI, etc.).
Requirements:Qualifications
  • Post-secondary education in Accounting, Business, HR, or related discipline preferred.
  • National Payroll Institute (NPI) PCP designation or equivalent payroll training.
  • Strong knowledge of both Canadian and U.S. payroll and benefits administration.
  • Minimum 4 years of progressive experience managing payroll and benefits, ideally in a medium-sized organization.
  • Proficiency with payroll systems (Dayforce and Paycor experience considered an asset).
  • Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with MS Office, particularly advanced Excel skills.
Key Competencies
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and resilience during high-volume or urgent situations.
  • Strong customer-service orientation with the ability to resolve payroll/benefit issues effectively and professionally.

Robert Half