Payroll Clerk

About the role

This role will play an important part in keeping employee pay accurate, timely, and compliant across U.S. and Canadian payroll activities, especially during year-end reporting periods. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll processing knowledge, sound judgment with tax-related matters, and a careful approach to record accuracy and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Process recurring payroll accurately and on schedule for employees across multiple payroll groups, ensuring timely delivery of wages.
• Review time records, earnings, benefit deductions, garnishments, and compensation updates to confirm payroll data is complete and correct before each cycle.
• Investigate payroll variances and work closely with HR and finance partners to resolve payment issues, adjustments, and employee inquiries.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local payroll regulations by maintaining correct withholdings and payroll practices.
• Prepare payroll tax filings and related documentation for both U.S. and Canadian payroll activity, coordinating remittances as needed.
• Partner with external advisors or tax contacts to address payroll tax questions, reconcile issues, and support accurate reporting.
• Conduct routine audits of payroll records and transactions to identify discrepancies, strengthen data integrity, and maintain compliance standards.
• Produce payroll reports and supporting documentation for internal reviews, external audits, and management requests.
• Assist with year-end payroll responsibilities, including preparation and review of W-2 and T4 reporting, annual reconciliations, and required government submissions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll in a high-accuracy, deadline-driven environment.
• Working knowledge of multi-state U.S. payroll processing, including payroll tax requirements and garnishment administration.
• Familiarity with Canadian payroll practices, including year-end reporting and related compliance obligations.
• Hands-on experience using UKG Pro.
• Strong understanding of payroll auditing, reconciliations, and payroll record maintenance.
• Ability to interpret payroll regulations and apply them accurately across routine and year-end processes.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.