- Are you an experienced payroll professional looking to take the next step in your career with a dynamic, supportive team? We are currently seeking a dedicated Payroll Specialist to manage and process full-cycle, bi-weekly payroll for our Ontario operations. In this role, you will become the central point of contact for all facets of responsibility pertaining to payroll administration, ensuring our hardworking team members are paid accurately and on timeAdvAre you an experienced payroll professional looking to take the next step in your career with a dynamic, supportive team? We are currently seeking a dedicated Payroll Specialist to manage and process full-cycle, bi-weekly payroll for our Ontario operations. In this role, you will become the central point of contact for all facets of responsibility pertaining to payroll administration, ensuring our hardworking team members are paid accurately and on timeAdv
- A Payroll Specialist role has become available with a company through Randstad. The client is searching for a candidate that is skilled in the production of accurate and timely payroll for employees, can communicate effectively, and deliver strong internal customer service while working in a deadline-driven environment. Act now and apply today!AdvantagesQualifications:Strong Experience in HRIS system and high proficiency with spreadsheetsPCP or CPM resignaA Payroll Specialist role has become available with a company through Randstad. The client is searching for a candidate that is skilled in the production of accurate and timely payroll for employees, can communicate effectively, and deliver strong internal customer service while working in a deadline-driven environment. Act now and apply today!AdvantagesQualifications:Strong Experience in HRIS system and high proficiency with spreadsheetsPCP or CPM resigna
- On behalf of our client, we are seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to join a high-priority HCM Modernization program. This is a critical technical and functional role focused on the successful transition to the Dayforce platform. You will act as the vital link between Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT, ensuring that system configurations meet real-world operational needs. Your primary mission is to mitigate payroll risk and ensure a stable, accurate "Go-Live"On behalf of our client, we are seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to join a high-priority HCM Modernization program. This is a critical technical and functional role focused on the successful transition to the Dayforce platform. You will act as the vital link between Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT, ensuring that system configurations meet real-world operational needs. Your primary mission is to mitigate payroll risk and ensure a stable, accurate "Go-Live"
- We are looking for a tech-savvy Payroll Coordinator to join a Tech team located in Toronto remotely! Position: Payroll CoordinatorLocation: Toronto, RemoteIndustry: TechnologyType: Ongoing contract with potential to convert to permanent based on performance. Do you possess strong knowledge of Canadian payroll and tax regulations? Are you tech-savvy and confident in your ability to troubleshoot? Is your PCP almost completed and you're looking for experienceWe are looking for a tech-savvy Payroll Coordinator to join a Tech team located in Toronto remotely! Position: Payroll CoordinatorLocation: Toronto, RemoteIndustry: TechnologyType: Ongoing contract with potential to convert to permanent based on performance. Do you possess strong knowledge of Canadian payroll and tax regulations? Are you tech-savvy and confident in your ability to troubleshoot? Is your PCP almost completed and you're looking for experience
- Randstad has partnered with a leading, dynamic manufacturing organization looking for a dedicated Payroll Specialist to join their team, located in Cambridge.Title: Payroll SpecialistLocation: Cambridge (Fully Onsite)Rate of Pay: $37.00 - $40.00 / hourJob Type: 1-Year Contract• Do you have 5+ years of payroll experience within the manufacturing sector?• Are you proficient with ADP Workforce Now and experienced with US payroll processing?• Are you a detail-Randstad has partnered with a leading, dynamic manufacturing organization looking for a dedicated Payroll Specialist to join their team, located in Cambridge.Title: Payroll SpecialistLocation: Cambridge (Fully Onsite)Rate of Pay: $37.00 - $40.00 / hourJob Type: 1-Year Contract• Do you have 5+ years of payroll experience within the manufacturing sector?• Are you proficient with ADP Workforce Now and experienced with US payroll processing?• Are you a detail-
- Location: On-site - Delta Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday'Reports to: Senior Finance LeaderCompensation: $100,000–$115,000 base + benefits + ~10% bonusAbout the RoleA growing, multi-entity organization is creating a new Controller role to strengthen its finance function, modernize systems, and support long-term succession planning. This role is ideal for a CPA-designated who is ready to step into a broader leadership position.The Controller will overseeLocation: On-site - Delta Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday'Reports to: Senior Finance LeaderCompensation: $100,000–$115,000 base + benefits + ~10% bonusAbout the RoleA growing, multi-entity organization is creating a new Controller role to strengthen its finance function, modernize systems, and support long-term succession planning. This role is ideal for a CPA-designated who is ready to step into a broader leadership position.The Controller will oversee
- Location: On-site - Delta Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday'Reports to: Senior Finance LeaderCompensation: $90,000–$110,000 base + benefits + ~10% bonusAbout the RoleA growing, multi-entity organization is creating a new Controller role to strengthen its finance function, modernize systems, and support long-term succession planning. This role is ideal for a CPA-designated Senior Accountant or Assistant Controller/Accounting manager who is ready to step inLocation: On-site - Delta Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday'Reports to: Senior Finance LeaderCompensation: $90,000–$110,000 base + benefits + ~10% bonusAbout the RoleA growing, multi-entity organization is creating a new Controller role to strengthen its finance function, modernize systems, and support long-term succession planning. This role is ideal for a CPA-designated Senior Accountant or Assistant Controller/Accounting manager who is ready to step in
- Are you an experienced payroll specialist looking to elevate your career with an award-winning, family-owned manufacturing leader? Randstad Professional is actively seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator for a permanent, fully onsite opportunity at our client's head office in Acton, Ontario. In this pivotal role within the finance & accounting sector, the successful Senior Payroll Administrator will take full ownership of Canadian payroll processes, manageAre you an experienced payroll specialist looking to elevate your career with an award-winning, family-owned manufacturing leader? Randstad Professional is actively seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator for a permanent, fully onsite opportunity at our client's head office in Acton, Ontario. In this pivotal role within the finance & accounting sector, the successful Senior Payroll Administrator will take full ownership of Canadian payroll processes, manage
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all about payroll specialists
As a payroll specialist, you work with sensitive data, and accuracy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Your job will include data entry, payroll reporting, assisting employees with payroll and benefits inquires, and administering company payroll and benefits. Your position could involve other accounting related tasks and can evolve as your organization’s structure and accounting needs change over time.
what being a payroll specialist entails
Payroll specialists typically work a standard work week (9-5) in an office setting. Depending on your role and the type of company you work for, such as an HR consulting company, you may administer payroll for more than one company or work remotely on occasion. You will report to the payroll manager or HR manager, and execute the tasks assigned to you by them.
average payroll specialist salaries
The average salary for a payroll specialist in Canada is just over $50,000 annually. On the lower end, and when you are new to the position, you can expect a starting salary of about $40,000. With a number of years’ experience, you can expect to make up to $70,000 per year. You may also qualify for bonuses and profit sharing, depending on the company you work for. You could make more than the average salary if you work in the Toronto region or Alberta, where salaries tend to skew up.
your day to day tasks
As part of your role as a payroll specialist, you will have a set number of tasks that are required to be executed at certain times during the week to ensure payroll is sent on time. Common day-to-day tasks include:
- daily payroll tasks
- processing payroll documentation
- collecting employee time cards
- addressing employee payroll inquiries
- adding new employees and update employee files
- managing workflows to ensure payroll transactions are processed on time
- ensuring payroll is in compliance with tax rules and regulations
- updating bank statements and other financial records
where you can work
Payroll specialists are needed for companies of all sizes. Small and medium sized companies, large corporations and all other businesses require payroll specialists to administer pay to their employees.
You could also work as an independent contractor for a number of companies part time. Positions are available across the country, however, you will have more opportunities in larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal due to the larger number of companies in these areas.
what you bring to the table
Payroll specialists require a strong finance and accounting acumen as well as strong interpersonal skills. In accounting and HR, you work with people and with numbers. Here are some of the most important skills you will need to be successful in your job:
- experience using general ledger and accounting software
- experience with payroll systems, Microsoft Excel and spreadsheets
- accounting and payroll administration
- people management
- strong communication skills
- ability to manage and deal with sensitive information
- problem solving skills
- effective time management,
- prioritization and organization
training and certifications
An academic background in accounting is a must to work as a payroll specialist. While some positions may only require a high school diploma, it is recommended that you obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration.
If you plan to move up into accounting management positions and further your career, working toward a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is an asset. The more education, accounting skills, and experience you can obtain, the greater chance you will have to progress your career. Check with the company you want to work with for specific training and academic requirements. Some companies may offer specific training once you are hired.
where your career is headed
Payroll specialists commonly move on to more senior payroll positions such as payroll supervisor, payroll manager, and later, on to roles such as payroll and benefits coordinator, payroll and benefits manager, and human resources manager.