Payroll Specialist

Role Overview

The Payroll Specialist is accountable for the precise, compliant, and prompt administration of international payroll across all countries where Alimentiv operates, fostering employee trust and satisfaction. Reporting to the Senior Manager of People & Culture, this expert role involves managing complex payroll legislation, monthly reconciliations, government payments, and relationships with external vendors within a global shared-services setting. Close collaboration with HR and Finance ensures payroll processes comply with company policies and regulatory mandates. Distinguished from the Payroll Coordinator, this position is responsible for full-cycle payroll in multiple countries, autonomous compliance interpretation, and actively advancing payroll improvements and modernization.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end payroll processing for all Alimentiv employees globally, covering countries such as Canada, the United States, and various global Employer of Record (EOR) jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to local laws.
• Verify and reconcile payroll data prior to pay runs, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, bonuses, and statutory deductions.
• Prepare and file government remittances, statutory reports, and year-end documents such as T4s and W-2s, obeying country-specific rules.
• Handle off-cycle and adjustment payroll runs with appropriate documentation and maintain audit trails.
• Keep payroll records in compliance with legal retention periods and data governance standards.
• Act as the main contact for employee payroll inquiries, resolving issues professionally and accurately.
• Serve as the escalation point for Payroll Coordinators, managing complex payroll challenges beyond routine procedures.
• Work jointly with Finance on payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and budget reporting to maintain financial alignment.
• Coordinate with HR Business Partners and People Operations regarding employee lifecycle events impacting payroll, such as leaves and benefits selections.
• Engage with external payroll vendors and governmental bodies on remittances, inquiries, and service matters.
• Track changes in payroll laws, tax regulations, and employment standards across all operational countries, implementing necessary adjustments.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and data, responding timely to auditor requests.
• Recognize and report payroll compliance risks and suggest corrective actions.
• Ensure payroll processes conform to SOX controls, SOC 2 standards, and other applicable frameworks.
• Identify and lead initiatives to optimize payroll workflows, reduce manual tasks, and enhance data accuracy.
• Assist in payroll and HRIS module configuration, testing, and enhancement to ensure system integrity.
• Contribute to payroll modernization projects, including system transitions and process redesigns.
• Maintain payroll system data governance, including managing access controls and validation.
• Mentor payroll coordinators and junior staff to strengthen team capabilities and ensure consistent payroll processing.
• Create and update training materials and documentation to minimize knowledge gaps and support continuous development.

Required Qualifications

• At least 4 to 6 years of related payroll experience.
• Completion of a post-secondary certificate or diploma from a college or training institute.
• Proficiency in English in written, reading, and oral forms.

Knowledge and Skill Set

• Comprehensive understanding of payroll laws, tax rules, and employment standards across countries including the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Romania, Canada, USA, Brazil, and Australia.
• Practical experience working with payroll systems and HRIS platforms, including system setup, data checks, and reporting.
• Strong skills in payroll reconciliation, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of global Employer of Record payroll frameworks and handling multi-country payroll vendors.
• Familiarity with SOX controls, SOC 2 compliance, and audit procedures in payroll contexts.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities for analyzing data, reconciling, and reporting.
• Capability to meet competing deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.
• Confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with sensitive employee and financial information.
• Holding a recognized professional payroll certification is highly preferred.

Additional Information

Alimentiv may use AI technologies in parts of the recruitment process, including application review and resume analysis. However, these tools support but do not replace the judgment of hiring personnel. Final recruitment decisions are made by human evaluators. For more information regarding data processing, candidates may reach out directly.