Advisor, Payroll and Systems

Viarail; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 77,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

VIA Rail in Montreal is seeking a Payroll Data Advisor to ensure data integrity for payroll processing across VIA360 and VIP systems. The role includes validating data, performing reconciliations, and supporting year-end activities and pension administration.

The position requires advanced Excel skills, strong analytical abilities, and comfort working with multiple data interfaces. Bilingual English/French communication is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in payroll, finance, accounting, or systems administration.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, advanced formulas, data analysis, and reconciliations.
• Experience with year-end payroll activities, including T4s, RL-1s, taxable benefits, and annual reconciliations.
• Strong English and French communication skills, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Data Administration and Control: process/validate data from VIA360, ensure data transfers to VIP, correct discrepancies, support audits.
• Year-End Payroll Activities: validate and reconcile annual payroll accumulations, assist with tax slips.
• Resource Person and Operational Support: act as a system/resource expert for payroll and pension matters, support managers and employees.
• Analysis, Reconciliations and Reporting: perform reconciliations, prepare reports, conduct analyses of adjustments, support audits.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Data analysis

Systems administration experience

Bilingual English/French

VIA360 & VIP familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

VIP payroll system

VIA360 system

Job description

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Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $77,268 - $90,903

Number of positions to be filled :1

Application Deadline :09/14/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.

The Payroll & Systems Advisor is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data used for payroll processing, as well as the effective operation of payroll-related systems and activities. The incumbent serves as a subject matter resource for processes involving the VIA360 and VIP systems. They monitor system interfaces, perform required validations and reconciliations, participate in year-end payroll activities, and prepare analyses that support payroll operations. The role also contributes to certain administrative activities related to pension plans and acts as a key resource for payroll systems and process-related inquiries. This position requires advanced Excel skills, strong analytical abilities, and a high level of comfort working with information systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Data Administration and Control

• Process and validate data received from the VIA360 system in accordance with collective agreements and company policies.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of data transfers to the VIP payroll system.
• Identify and correct payroll data discrepancies and anomalies.
• Perform required system adjustments and document special transactions.
• Participate in payroll processing validations.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll issues in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Prepare documentation required for internal and external audits.
• Support pension plan administration by processing and following up on contributions, leaves of absence, and employee status changes.
• Perform various administrative activities related to pension plans.
• Prepare and validate periodic submissions to pension plan administrators.
• Complete required reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams on pension-related matters.
• Respond to routine employee inquiries or direct them to the appropriate resource.
• Participate in audits and reviews within the area of responsibility

Year-End Payroll Activities

• Actively participate in year-end payroll activities.
• Perform validations and reconciliations of annual payroll accumulations.
• Analyze and validate taxable benefits.
• Support the preparation of tax slips (T4s, RL-1s, and other applicable forms).
• Ensure compliance with federal and provincial tax requirements.
• Assist in resolving discrepancies or anomalies identified during year-end processes.

Resource Person and Operational Support

• Act as a resource person for the payroll team regarding systems, data, and processes.
• Provide support to managers, employees, and internal partners on payroll and pension-related matters.
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Support the Senior Manager in monitoring operational activities and meeting deadlines.

Analysis, Reconciliations and Reporting

• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations related to payroll and pension plans.
• Prepare and analyze operational and financial reports.
• Conduct detailed analyses of manual adjustments made within payroll systems.
• Assist in investigating and resolving discrepancies identified through reconciliations.\
• Support the team in preparing documentation for internal and external audits.
• Prepare ad hoc analyses for Payroll Management.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in payroll, finance, accounting, or systems administration.

Experience with year-end payroll activities, including T4s, RL-1s, taxable benefits, and annual reconciliations.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, advanced formulas, data analysis, and reconciliations.

Strong ability to work with multiple systems and data interfaces.

Experience with an integrated payroll system. Knowledge of VIP is considered a significant asset.

Experience in pension plan administration or a general understanding of pension processes is an asset.

Knowledge of payroll legislation and tax requirements.

Knowledge of collective agreements is an asset.

National Payroll Institute certification or equivalent is an asset.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining controls and accuracy.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and French.

Sound judgment and ability to work independently.

Ability to perform effectively under pressure while meeting tight deadlines.

Strong sense of urgency.

Flexibility and ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities.

Comfortable learning and working with new systems and technologies.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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