Senior Specialist, Payroll

As a Senior Specialist, Payroll at Wealthsimple, you'll be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end payroll process in Canada and the U.S. This includes handling onboarding, managing leave requests, and ensuring compliance with payroll legislation. You'll also provide guidance to Payroll Specialists, collaborate with HR staff to optimize workflows, and serve as a point of escalation for complex payroll inquiries. Building relationships with payroll providers and supporting benefits administration are key components of this role, ensuring that everything is accurate and timely.

To apply for the Senior Specialist, Payroll position at Wealthsimple, candidates should possess payroll certification (PCP or PLP) and have at least 7 years of experience in payroll, specifically with multi-province (including Quebec) and U.S. payroll. A strong understanding of payroll compliance and legislation is crucial, along with excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement. If you're meticulous and can manage time effectively, you'll be a great fit!

Wealthsimple ensures payroll compliance and accuracy through a rigorous oversight process in which the Senior Specialist, Payroll reviews payroll processes and transactions. You will implement scalable workflows, manage leave requests, and respond to CRA or IRS inquiries. Collaborating with Payroll and HR teams helps maintain accurate data in the HRIS, ensuring that employees' payroll matters are handled promptly and efficiently.

At Wealthsimple, Payroll Specialists use Workday as their Human Resource Information System (HRIS) to streamline payroll workflows and manage employee data. This platform allows for efficient handling of onboarding, pay processing, and compliance checks. As a Senior Specialist, you'll collaborate closely with Payroll and HR Operation Specialists to ensure data accuracy and effective information flow through this system.

Working at Wealthsimple as a Senior Specialist, Payroll means joining a remote-first team that values inclusion, collaboration, and continuous growth. The company encourages open communication and offers various Employee Resource Groups to support diversity and well-being. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous vacation allowances, and mental wellness days, all within an environment that promotes innovation and accountability. You'll be part of a team that is passionate about transforming the financial landscape for everyone.

To ensure payroll accuracy in a multi-province environment, I carefully keep updated on the latest payroll legislation and tax codes for each province, especially for Quebec, which has unique requirements. Implementing rigorous checks during the payroll processing stages and collaborating with HR to verify employee data also helps maintain accuracy. Furthermore, regular audits and continuous improvement practices play a crucial role in identifying areas for enhancement.

I have extensive experience with payroll systems, specifically Workday. I’ve managed end-to-end payroll processes within Workday, from employee onboarding to managing offboarding, ensuring that data flows seamlessly through the system. Regularly leveraging its reporting features has helped me monitor data for compliance and accuracy. Proficient with workarounds and custom reports, I can extract valuable insights to refine payroll workflows further.

When dealing with complex payroll inquiries, I first approach the situation with empathy, ensuring that the employee feels heard. I gather all relevant information and review the transaction details before responding. If necessary, I collaborate with our payroll providers or tax authorities to resolve the issue efficiently. Keeping thorough documentation helps maintain transparency and serves as a reference for similar issues in the future.

To stay compliant with payroll legislation, I prioritize continuous education by attending workshops, webinars, and networking sessions within the payroll field. I also subscribe to relevant publications that highlight changes in legislation. Additionally, I foster a strong relationship with legal and compliance teams within the organization to ensure that we preemptively address upcoming changes in regulations impacting payroll.

Collaboration with HR is essential for streamlining payroll processes. I arrange regular meetings with HR specialists to discuss workflows, assess areas that can be improved, and ensure we’re aligned on employee data accuracy. Streamlining communication and leveraging technology to share updates and documents in real-time has also proven effective in enhancing collaboration and ensuring timely resolution of issues.

In a previous role, I identified a discrepancy in tax deductions due to a software glitch. Upon noticing the error, I immediately flagged it for review and conducted a thorough audit of the payroll data to understand the scope. After verifying the affected employee records, I coordinated with our payroll provider to rectify the deductions and communicated the update to all impacted employees, ensuring clarity and transparency throughout the process.

To improve payroll efficiency, I consistently analyze our existing workflows and identify bottlenecks. Implementing technology solutions, such as automated payroll processing features in our HRIS, has greatly improved efficiency. I also champion a culture of continuous feedback and enhance training for Payroll Specialists to equip them with the knowledge to manage tasks with greater speed and accuracy. Regularly measuring our KPIs also helps pinpoint areas for improvement.

Ensuring data privacy and security is crucial within payroll operations. I adhere to best practices by implementing strict access controls to sensitive payroll data within our systems. Regular data audits are performed, and I educate the payroll team on data handling protocols to minimize risk. Lastly, I collaborate with IT for regular system updates and utilize encryption whenever possible to safeguard payroll information.

During high-volume payroll periods, such as year-end, I begin preparation well in advance. This includes creating a detailed schedule with key deadlines and ensuring that all team members are informed and prepared. Leveraging payroll software features to process bulk transactions efficiently is vital, while proactive communication with staff ensures they are on the same page. Post-processing audits and reconciliations help catch any discrepancies early and maintain smooth operations.

My motivation for working in payroll stems from a passion for supporting employees and contributing to an organization’s success via accurate financial management. At Wealthsimple, the culture of innovation and commitment to making things simple resonates with my professional ethos. I want to be part of a team that not only values and respects its employees but also plays a role in transforming financial services for everyone. Knowing my work has a direct impact on someone’s financial peace gives me a profound sense of purpose.