Payroll And Benefits Specialist

Department: Accounting

Location: Mississauga, ON

The incumbent will report to the Controller with a dotted line to the Senior Manager – P&C. The Payroll & Benefits Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day payroll processing for multiple locations (Canada and the US) consisting of hourly and salaried employees. The Payroll & Benefits Coordinator is responsible for the complete payroll cycle according to company and legislative requirements. Integrity and strong attention to detail are crucial for this role.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll

• Responsible for answering employees' and managers queries regarding payroll and advice or guiding them whenever required
• Dayforce subject matter expert.
• Conduct preliminary research and assist the P&C – BP in complex payroll issues
• Verifying payroll data accurately and ensuring it is complete in the Dayforce, including new hire information, terminations, and payroll changes regularly and adjusting as required
• Other duties and projects as required
• Plays a critical role in employee onboarding and offboarding.
• Preparation and administration of bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees
• Maintain employee database with regards to floater leave and vacation entitlements
• Generate biweekly payroll reports for auditing and accuracy
• Build strong relationships with Ceridian to quickly troubleshoot issues, perform special pay runs and other time-sensitive transactions
• Verify and process employees’ bi-weekly expenses as per the company policy
• Implement salary increases, bonuses, and other payments in accordance with company policies and instructions provided
• Monitors timesheets and vacation entitlements balance for completeness and accuracy

Benefits and Disability Management

• Case Management of employee leaves, including parental, STD, LTD, and WCB claims, and assist the P&C – business Partner with the return to work using best practices.
• Oversees the administration of benefits plans for all employees, including enrolment, updates, and terminations.
• Oversight of benefit-related issues in regard to deductions and status changes with current employees and resolution of benefit queries.
• Verify the monthly bill for Manulife and RBC and share them with Finance for processing.

Finance and Report

• Assist with the reconciliation of statutory deductions and annual reports for CRA, CNESST, EHT, and WSIB, including reconciliations and issuance of year-end T4s, T4As, and RL-1s
• Monitor and report any trends or fluctuations noticed in payroll, like overtime.
• Regularly audit payroll balance sheets, YTD earnings, etc., to ensure compliance measures are in place.
• Oversee the determination of payroll liabilities by calculating employees’ income, and sources deductions, including taxes.
• Prepares submissions and performs monthly reconciliations for employee benefits, including group benefits, pension plans, EHT, and WSIB.
• Assist with the preparation of payroll remittances to various third-party payees such as CRA, WSIB, wage garnishments, payroll taxes, group benefits premiums, etc.
• Assist Finance with budgeting and forecasting by providing requisite salary reports.
• Process Year-End Maintenance runs after the close of the year prior to Tax Form generation
• Prepare payroll journal entries and reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Respond to any CRA equivalent inquiries/audits.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of payroll systems and keep abreast of legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll.
• Works with the People & Culture team to develop/improve Payroll policies and procedures
• Responsible for implementing any necessary changes to the Dayforce with regard to payroll
• Review current payroll process, recommend, and implement changes to increase efficiencies.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Advanced computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills
• A demonstrated alignment with John Brooks's values; customers first, ownership/accountability, respect, performance excellence, integrity, and innovation
• Must exude enthusiasm, passion, confidence, and an optimistic attitude
• Excellent attention to detail
• Knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial payroll legislation
• Must take ownership of own actions and demonstrate initiative
• Must be a collaborative and a supportive team player
• Post-secondary diploma/ degree
• Dayforce experience will be an asset; else, the experience with any other HRIS tool like Dayforce, Workday, or SAP
• Familiarity with norms and best practices applicable to payroll
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner Designation (Preferred)
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in managing the full payroll cycle for Canada and the US

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The fast-paced environment in a dynamic competitive industry
• This role with a hybrid work arrangement allows for schedule flexibility and self-management.
• Exposure to deadlines, multiple demands and priorities, multi-tasking, and interruptions

Benefits

At John Brooks Company, everyone has a place. Expect to be here a while – our average tenure is over 11 years! We’re committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusivity and connectedness. We enjoy celebrating achievements by means of formal service awards, employee achievement awards, and milestone birthdays.

We offer our employees competitive remuneration, including base salary + incentive, competitive vacation plan, and a generous benefits package that includes Company Group RRSP with employer matching. Other perks include an annual health & wellness subsidy and paid personal days.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. At the candidate's request, accommodations will be available at all stages of the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.