Senior Payroll Specialist

Join to apply for the Senior Payroll Specialist role at Marberg Staffing Base pay range CA$48.50/hr - CA$48.50/hr Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist for provincial government agency client, downtown Toronto. Job Type: Temp-to-Perm Initial Term: From January 5 2026 to April 3 2026, with possibility of direct-hire. Compensation: $48.50 per hour. Regular Work Hours: 7.0 hours per day not including 1 hour unpaid lunch break, to be worked during regular business hours, Monday to Friday (35 work hours per week). Work Location: 100% onsite at client's downtown Toronto office on PATH and near TTC station. Responsibilities Summary: Serve as HR team's subject matter expert for payroll administration and best practices, responsible for full cycle bi-weekly payroll, benefits functional support, and delivery of high-quality, timely and accurate processing of payroll, benefits and pension transactions for 100+ employee organization. Perform variety of analysis, control, and accounting functions to ensure accurate payroll distribution, accurate T4/T4A remittance and payroll related account year end statements, and associated reviews and adjustments. Ensure HR policies align with payroll legislation, recommend process improvements, create efficiencies, and act as key contact point for organization employees. Lead and execute timely and accurate bi-weekly payroll using Workday Human Capital Management System. Ensure procedural and policy compliance with Ontario payroll legislation, CRA requirements and Employment Standards Act (ESA). Ensure all government remittances reconciled on a regular basis, handle enquiries from CRA or other government tax offices, and investigate any discrepancies. Oversee statutory reporting (T4s, pension adjustments, EHT, CPP, EI, etc.) ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission. Support preparation of pension adjustments, T4 processing, Public Sector Salary Disclosure analysis, annual reconciliation of vacation liability, and quarterly insured benefits reconciliation. Handle day-to-day benefits administration. Liaise with insured benefits and defined pension benefits provider to support pension and benefits plans administration functions, identifying and resolving any issues. Contribute to policy updates and internal guidelines related to payroll and benefits operations and provide recommendations to maintain a sustainable benefits program. Lead bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly reconciliation of payroll, benefits, and pension accounts, coordinating with Finance to process provider invoices and government remittances. Review and update payroll and benefits related internal process documentation and content on intranet site. Provide specialist-level support and guidance to Payroll and Benefits Administrator. Manage escalated cases and complex employee inquiries, ensuring timely resolution and high service standards. Develop and deliver standard and ad hoc reporting for compliance reviews, audits and executive decision-making. Provide monthly severance accrual updates to Finance for accurate general ledger postings. Monitor system data integrity in Workday HCM, ensuring reconciliation processes are audit-ready and fully compliant with organizational and legislative requirements. Comprehend and implement both internal and external auditor control requirements, and perform audits on payroll, time, and attendance to ensure compliance and accuracy. Proactively maintain compliance best practices with internal audit controls and external government agencies. Support technical set-up and accurate maintenance of payroll functions in Workday, including successful system integrations. Support preparation of monthly activity reports that support HR dashboard. Build strong relationships across the organization and represent HR team at meetings as required, acting as technical payroll resource. Liaise with external vendors to coordinate and deliver employee workshops and seminars. Additional payroll and benefits advisory and administration responsibilities as required. Qualifications: Education: Post-secondary Diploma or Degree in Payroll, Accounting, or Human Resources. Professional Credentials: National Payroll Institute (formerly Canadian Payroll Association) PCP certification completed or in view. PLP designation an asset. Preferred Work Experience: At least 5+ years of experience in full cycle payroll and benefits administration from an Ontario employer with 100+ employees. At least 3+ years of direct experience with Workday payroll system. Technical and Language Skills Requirements: Demonstrated expertise in Workday Human Capital Management System with responsibility for performing complex tasks for processing a large bi-weekly payroll. Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables). Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook. Experience with other payroll systems such as Ceridian and ADP an asset. Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal, including advanced level business writing skills, and verbal presentation skills suitable for a diverse range of audiences including senior leadership. Task Based Qualifications and Additional Attributes: Demonstrated record of professional conduct and character. Responsible, reliable and works to deadlines. An able communicator, with demonstrated relationship management skills and experience working with cross-functional teams such as HR and Finance. Direct payroll system experience (e.g. Workday, Ceridian, ADP). Payroll system implementation experience an asset. Experience with ad hoc payroll matters such as top-up allowances, short term disability, family leaves, one-time payments, bonuses, etc. Experience with benefits, PSPP or RPP administration. Experience administering Defined Benefits Pensions plan an asset. Year end T4 reconciliations experience and Employer Health Tax processing experience. Demonstrated ability to analyze and audit reconciliation statements and reports. Proven ability to respond to sensitive and confidential matters with tact, discretion, and excellent judgement in the interpretation and application of instructions and organization policy. Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and collaboratively, and in an advisory capacity, and liaise effectively with a wide and diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Additional Requirements: Must be legally entitled to work in Canada, providing satisfactory documentation upon request. Availability to convert to long term direct-hire and/or permanent employment from temporary assignment, without limitation. Ability to work 100% onsite. Ability to declare personal Non-Conflict of Interest in execution of assignment responsibilities. Must be able to complete a phone interview, online interview, technical skills assessment, post interview assignment, interpersonal and communication skills assessment and final in-person interview with senior leadership. Must have three recent satisfactory references from managers or supervisors completed and available for review upon request. Ability to complete a satisfactory Provincial Government security check, including a Fingerprint Check, prior to assignment start. Please note that Marberg will reimburse for the cost of the security checks upon confirmation of assignment start and submission of approved expense receipts. Provision of certification of AODA and OHSA online training course completion prior to assignment start. Satisfactory Background Checks, Technical Skills Evaluations, Interpersonal Skills Assessments and Employment References as required. Application Notes: Recommended Application Date: Kindly submit your resume as soon as possible, as our client will not accept applications after December 2, 2025 We are screening and shortlisting Candidates immediately and qualified applications may be contacted same day as date of application. We thank all applicants for their interest but wish to advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Marberg is committed to supporting workplace diversity and inclusivity, to reflect the demographic profile of all Ontarians. Applications are encouraged from equity seeking groups including people of colour, Indigenous people, individuals with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ2S community. 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