Payroll Analyst

RSM US LLP; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

RSM is seeking a Payroll Analyst to manage global payroll processing and reporting, ensuring compliance across multiple countries including the U.S. and Canada. The role requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and collaboration with HR, Finance, and external vendors.

You will act as the Canada payroll SME, handle complex elements like expatriate allowances and tax scenarios, and support tax filings. Experience with Workday and AI tools is valued, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state or international environment.
• Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll best practices.
• 1–2 years of full payroll cycle experience in Workday.
• Strong understanding of U.S. payroll and taxation, with Canadian payroll processing and international payroll experience.
• Proficiency in Excel, including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables, for payroll calculations and reporting.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills for employee support and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Experience utilizing AI tools to support payroll processing, auditing, research, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile multi-country payrolls, including U.S., Canada, and other global payrolls.
• Serve as the Canada payroll subject matter expert, supporting end-to-end payroll processing, reconciliations, year-end activities, and compliance.
• Manage complex payroll components including expatriate allowances, hypothetical taxes, tax equalization, and gross ups.
• Serve as a primary contact for third-party payroll tax vendors, such as ADP, to ensure accurate tax filing, wage reconciliations, and year-end reporting.
• Prepare and support monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filings and reconciliations.
• Ensure payroll procedures comply with federal, state, local, Canadian, and applicable global payroll requirements; stay updated on tax legislation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Integrity with confidential data

AI tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPP or FPC certification (preferred)

Tools

Workday

Excel

ADP

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely global payroll processing and reporting, compliance with applicable payroll regulations, and supporting continuous improvement of payroll operations. This role supports multi-country payroll activities. The position requires a high level of attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and external vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile multi-country payrolls, including U.S. domestic, Canada and other global payrolls, international assignee (expat/inpat), and shadow payrolls.

• Serve as the Canada payroll subject matter expert, supporting end-to-end payroll processing, reconciliations, year-end activities, and compliance requirements.

• Manage complex payroll components including expatriate allowances, hypothetical taxes, tax equalization, and gross ups.

• Serve as a primary contact for third-party payroll tax vendors, such as ADP, to ensure accurate tax filing, wage reconciliations, and year-end reporting.

• Prepare and support monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filings and reconciliations.

• Ensure payroll procedures comply with federal, state, local, Canadian, and applicable global payroll requirements; maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and changes in tax legislation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• 2–4 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state or international environment.

• Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll best practices.

• 1–2 years of full payroll cycle experience in Workday.

• Strong understanding of U.S. payroll and taxation, demonstrated experience supporting end-to-end Canadian payroll processing, reconciliations, year-end activities, and compliance requirements, and experience with international payroll practices.

• Proficiency in Excel, including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables, for payroll calculations and reporting.

• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication skills for employee support and cross-functional collaboration.

• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

• Experience utilizing AI tools to support payroll processing, auditing, research, and process improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP or FPC certification from PayrollOrg (formerly the American Payroll Association).

• Knowledge of Global Mobility Payroll or payroll processing for expatriates.

• Experience working with global mobility tax providers on expatriate compensation management.

• Familiarity with HRIS systems ServiceNow and ADP SmartCompliance.yroll Analyst (Location Flexibility)

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people.Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmcanada.com/careers/life-at-rsm/rewards-and-benefits.html.

We believe flexibility and in-person connection both play an important role in how we work and grow. Most roles at RSM follow a hybrid workstyle, which means team members are aligned to an RSM office and come together in person when it best supports clients, teams, development or relationship-building. Some roles may be virtual or primarily on-site based on role requirements, team priorities and client needs.

RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; colour; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender (including gender identity and/or gender expression); sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the Canadian uniformed service; Canadian Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable provincial employment legislation.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership.RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at [e-mail].

At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Compensation Range: $59,000 - $89,100