Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

Join our team

Ready for the opportunity to learn and grow professionally in a supportive, stimulating workplace where you can drive your career and make a difference?

We have an exciting opportunity with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) as a Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist within Human Resources.

The mandate of Human Resources is to ensure the responsible stewardship of OSC resources, contribute to enterprise-wide workforce productivity, and lead the design and implementation of a positive employee experience.

Here’s the impact you’ll make and what we’ll accomplish together!
You’re an awesome team player who will process and deliver timely and accurate remuneration, pension and benefits to the whole organization while ensuring confidentiality. Your passion, strong payroll expertise and knowledge and exceptional collaboration abilities are strengths that will be critical in the delivery of our products and services. Your insightful portfolio analytics and recommendations and knowledge of our processes and areas for opportunity will influence strategic decisions made by leaders. You’ll also team up with friendly, supportive internal partners, including HR leadership, Business Partners members and our key internal stakeholders, and external stakeholders.

The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist operates as the subject matter expert regarding payroll administration and current payroll best practices, bringing forth recommendations for process improvements and creating efficiencies. This role is an integral member of the larger Human Resources team with responsibility for payroll and benefits functional support, and acts as a key contact point for employees. With strong expertise in Workday Human Capital Management System, responsible for performing complex tasks in relation to processing bi-weekly payroll.  This includes performing a variety of analysis, control, and accounting functions to ensure accurate payroll distribution, accurate T4/T4A remittance and payroll related account year end statements, and associated reviews and adjustments.

Please note this opportunity is considered to be a business critical role supporting the HR Department.

Here's what the role entails:

• Leadership and execution of the biweekly payroll and/or support of our pension and benefits’ plans:
  • Oversee the timely and accurate payroll processing of the biweekly payroll, using the Workday Human Capital Management System.
  • Liaise with the insured benefits and defined pension benefits provider for any administration and resolve issue.
  • Ensure compliance with Ontario payroll legislation, CRA requirements and Employment Standards Act (ESA).
  • Comprehend and implement both internal and external auditor’s control requirements.
  • Perform audits on payroll, time, and attendance output to ensure compliance and accuracy.
  •  Ensure all government remittances are reconciled on a regular basis; handles all enquiries from CRA and other government tax offices; and investigates any discrepancies.
  • Provide feedback as required to ensure compliance with federal and provincial legislation and company policies.
  • Responsible for the day-to-day benefit administration and provide recommendations to maintain a sustainable benefits program. Support the Payroll & Benefits Lead in the preparation of pension adjustments, processing of T4s, analysis of the Public Sector Salary Disclosure, the annual reconciliation of vacation liability and the quarterly insured benefits reconciliation. Review and update payroll and benefits related internal process documentation and content on our intranet site.
• Leadership in payroll Financial Reconciliation and Reporting:
  • Lead biweekly, monthly and quarterly reconciliation of payroll, benefits, and pension accounts, coordinating with Finance to process provider invoices and government remittances.
  • Provide monthly severance accrual updates to Finance for accurate general ledger postings.
  • Develop and deliver standard and ad hoc reporting for compliance reviews, audits and executive decision-making.
  • Monitor system data integrity in Workday HCM, ensuring reconciliation processes are audit-ready and fully compliant with organizational and legislative requirements.
  • Provide specialist-level support and guidance to the Payroll and Benefits Administrator, delivering high-quality, timely and accurate processing of payroll, benefits and pension transactions.
  • Oversee statutory reporting (T4s, pension adjustments, EHT, CPP, EI, etc.) ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submission.

• Operate as a Trusted Advisor and Ambassador:
  • Provide guidance to the HR team members related to facilitation of escalated issues through problem recognition, research, and analysis.
  • A key player for the payroll, benefits, and pension functions. Responsible for troubleshooting and issue resolution oversight for all OSC employees.
  • Collaborate with business partners to support various programs to our team members, including recommendations to gain direction, alignment, and final approval.
  • Manage escalated cases and complex employee inquiries, ensuring timely resolution and high service standards.
  • Contribute to policy updates and internal guidelines related to payroll and benefits operations.
  • Build strong relationships across the organization and represent the HR team at various meetings, acting as a technical payroll resource.
  • Liaise with external vendors to coordinate and deliver employee workshops and seminars that promote understanding and engagement with OSC programs

• Provide critical business insights and thought leadership:
  • Maintain proactive approach for compliance best practices both internally with audit controls and externally with government agencies.
  • Support the technical set-up and accurate maintenance of payroll functions in Workday, including successful system integrations.
  • Act as a subject matter expert to ensure HR policies align with payroll legislation. 
  • Support the preparation of monthly activity reports that support our HR dashboard.

What you will bring to the role:

• 5 to 7 years of progressive payroll administration, current payroll compliance expertise in both federal and provincial environments, preferably within a government agency or midsize corporate organizations.
• Minimum 3 years direct experience with Workday payroll system.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Payroll, Accounting, Human Resources.
• National Payroll Institute (formerly the Canadian Payroll Association) PCP certification completed or working towards, PLP designation an asset.
• Experience administering a Defined Benefits Pensions plan an asset.
• Noted as a solid communicator both written and verbal and an excellent team collaborator who can influence and build strong business partner relationships.
• Recognized for managing numerous competing priorities and commitments with extremely high attention to detail in an organized manner, demonstrated by accurate and timely delivery of employees’ compensation package.
• Experience partnering and being part of the Human Resources Team.
• Proficient in technical skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Workday payroll (or similar payroll system).
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Solid understanding of Year End processes in payroll.
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently, prioritize workload, make informed decisions, and respond to inquires within a reasonable time frame.
• A strong sense of urgency with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Proactivity in identifying issues, proposing solutions, and driving improvements
• High levels of personal motivation and personal accountability
• An eagerness to learn with a demonstrated growth mindset
• Excellent attention to details, particularly in payroll, benefits, and compliance-related work
• Comfortable and confident interacting with staff at all levels of the organization
• Excited to learn and bring a continuous improvement mindset to processes and systems
• Able to work with a high degree of independence of action while knowing when to escalate issues appropriately
• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and follow‑through
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Excel, including the ability to analyze and manage data effectively

What we offer at the OSC!

• Competitive compensation package which includes performance-based incentives and a premier pension plan.
• Generous vacation and personal time entitlements. 
• Best in class comprehensive health and wellness benefit package which includes gym membership discounts with Goodlife Fitness.
• Tuition reimbursement program. 
• Training and development programs.

Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.

* OSC Employees: please apply in Workday using the Browse Jobs feature within your Jobs Hub *

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.

The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: Ascend Canada, BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca.  

Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.