Payroll Specialist - Payroll - Temporary Full-Time 2026-16039

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 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