Payroll Specialist - Payroll Services - Temporary Full-Time 2026-18009 (2026-18009)

The Opportunity

Payroll Services at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Payroll Specialist to join our team for a 24-months contract. The successful candidate will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly, monthly, on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls using the emPath payroll system.

This position plays a key role in ensuring payroll compliance, supporting month-end and year-end activities, and providing payroll-related reporting and analysis to various stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have strong payroll processing experience, advanced Excel skills, and a solid understanding of payroll legislation and best practices. Experience in Healthcare, HOOPP administration and customized Access queries would be considered strong assets.

Key Tasks

Payroll Processing

Run bi-weekly, offcycle and monthly payrolls accurately and on schedule using the emPath payroll system.

Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, inquiries, and issues in a timely manner.

Perform payroll-related month-end reconciliations and reporting.

Support year-end payroll activities, including preparation and reconciliation of T4s, T4As, taxable benefits, and statutory reporting requirements for multiple entities.

Ensure payroll records are maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.

Reporting and Analysis

Prepare and deliver ad hoc payroll reports and data requests for Finance, Human Resources, leadership teams, auditors, and other stakeholders.

Analyze payroll data and identify discrepancies or process improvement opportunities.

Maintain and run customized payroll queries and reports.

Systems and Process Support

Maintain payroll system data integrity and support ongoing payroll process improvements.

Assist with maintaining and running customized Microsoft Access queries and reports.

Utilize advanced Excel functions to manage, analyze, and reconcile payroll information.

Participate in payroll system testing, upgrades, and implementation activities as required.

Pension and Benefits Administration

Support pension reporting and administration activities.

Work with internal and external stakeholders regarding payroll-related benefit and pension matters.

Qualifications/Skills

Completion of a post-secondary degree program (Business Administration, Accounting or Finance is preferred)

Minimum 5 years’ progressive experience administering full cycle Canadian payroll within a large organization (Healthcare and/or experience in a unionized environment preferred)

Member of the National Payroll Institute (formerly Canadian Payroll Association), Payroll Certification is preferred

Proficient knowledge of top tier payroll and HCM software systems ( e.g. Empath in house payroll system) and time and attendance ( e.g. UKG Dimensions )

Demonstrated experience with identifying, designing and implementing process improvements

Demonstrated analytical ability and problem-solving skills;

Collaborative team player with superior influencing skills, who can build relationships easily to move initiatives forward

Strong oral and written communication skills including ability to communicate technical requirements to non-technical users in a simple manner

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to prioritize and manage high volumes of data accurately and in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment with stringent deadlines Highly organized, self-motivated, and adaptable

Full knowledge of all relevant Canadian legislation governing payroll calculations and reporting

Solid grasp of federal and provincial labour standards and regulations

Knowledge of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) or similar defined benefit pension plans preferred

Intermediate to advanced MS Office skills– Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook