Senior Accountant, Payroll (6-month Contract)

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you are part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The incumbent delivers specialized payroll accounting and compliance support for both Canadian and U.S. payroll operations throughout the contract period. This role is responsible for validating and processing time entries, gross earnings, statutory deductions, and vendor remittances, while ensuring accurate payroll execution for unionized and management employees. The position demands precise and timely payroll disbursements under strict deadlines. In addition, the incumbent prepares financial data and reports for internal stakeholders, supporting cross-functional collaboration and aligning with CN’s financial reporting objectives. The role also ensures full compliance with regulatory reporting requirements set by governing bodies such as tax authorities.

Main Responsibilities

Execution of Employee Payroll Requirements 

·       Carry out all processes related to Canadian and US unionized and management payroll processing and off-cycle runs, including special payments

·       Ensure accuracy of data transfers between Time system and Payroll system

·       Ensure quick resolution of all employee pay disputes

·       Investigate employee overpayments and coordinate recovery of funds

Deductions and Third-Party Vendor Management 

·       Perform all payroll gross-to-net tasks and third-party remittance processes including final payments to vendors

·       Ensure timely issuance of all payments to individual tax authorities and be responsible for tax remittances and audits through adherence to current tax regulations

·       Manage 401K, Benefits and Pension remittance and reporting

·       Maintain various employee deductions

Reporting and Audits 

·       Carry out all gross to net Ad Hoc reporting requests from CN stakeholders

·       Ensure compliance with Federal, Provincial and state regulations and guidelines.

·       Improve queries, report and develop cross-functional reporting solutions

·       Continuously identify and recommend improvements for systems, technology, and processes to improve efficiency

·       Manage U.S. tax reporting to various jurisdictions

·       General ledger account analysis and reconciliation

·       Coordinate, review and validate year end tax slips

·       Ensure timely filing of year end summaries and tax slips

·       Coordinate all external audits as requested by Federal and local tax authorities

·       Introduce controls that proactively identify errors for both pre- and post-payroll execution and ensure accurate posting of results to CN’s General Ledger. 

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN’s hybrid work model. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and manage stress.

Requirements

Experience

·       Minimum 5 years of progressive payroll and accounting experience

·       SAP knowledge in using Human Resources, Payroll and Time modules*

*Any designation or qualification marked with an asterisk (*) will be regarded as an asset.

Education/Certification/Designation

·       Payroll certifications (PCP and PLP)

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Competencies

·       Demonstrates agility and drives change

·       Collaborates with others and shares information

·       Applies analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance

·       Continuously innovates to create value, without compromising on safety and quality

·       Communicates with impact

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·       Excellent knowledge of Canadian and US Payroll rules and legislation

·       SAP knowledge in Human Resources and Payroll Modules

·       Excellent knowledge of accounting practices and procedures, Canadian and US payroll disciplines and taxation

·       Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint and Word)

·       Fluently Bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)

CN is an employment equity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.