Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Cartel Agency Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Supportive and professional culture

Job summary

Cartel Agency Inc. in Toronto is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to ensure employees are paid accurately and benefits are managed effectively. With at least five years of experience in payroll and benefits, ideally within a law firm, you'll play a crucial role in the firm's operations.

This position offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and a hybrid work schedule that allows for both in-office and remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll and benefits experience, preferably within a law firm.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation is required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for all firm employees.
• Maintain payroll and HRIS records, including new hires and terminations.
• Administer employee benefit and RRSP programs.

Skills

Payroll legislation knowledge

Attention to detail

Client service skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Payroll, Accounting, Human Resources, or related discipline

Tools

UKG payroll and HRIS system

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Payroll professionals know that behind every successful firm is someone making sure the people are taken care of, and that’s where you come in. One of Toronto’s most respected and recognizable law firms is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join its collaborative team. With at least five years of payroll and benefits experience, with law firm experience as a definite asset, you’ll play a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately, benefits are administered seamlessly, and everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. In return, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, a supportive and professional culture, and a hybrid schedule that offers the best of both worlds with three days in the office and flexibility to work from home. If you’re looking for a stable, career‑building opportunity with a firm whose name opens doors, this is one worth exploring.

Salary

Up to $90K (Based on Experience)

Key Responsibilities

• Process payroll for all firm employees, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and firm policies.
• Maintain and update payroll and HRIS records (UKG), including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, promotions, and leaves of absence.
• Calculate and validate special payroll payments, including bonuses, retroactive pay, leaves, and termination pay.
• Prepare, reconcile, and remit statutory deductions, source withholdings, and payroll‑related taxes (CPP, EI, Income Tax, EHT), liaising with government agencies as required.
• Prepare payroll journal entries, perform payroll account reconciliations, and conduct post‑payroll analysis to identify discrepancies and trends.
• Complete year‑end payroll processes, including reconciliations, T4 preparation, and ROE submissions.
• Monitor legislative changes and support payroll system enhancements, automation initiatives, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Administer employee benefit and RRSP programs, including enrolments, terminations, life event changes, payroll deductions, invoice reconciliations, and reporting.
• Respond to payroll, compensation, and benefits inquiries while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Assist with salary review, budgeting, reporting, and other payroll and benefits projects as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll and benefits experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation required.
• Post‑secondary education in Payroll, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, employment standards, statutory remittances, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems (UKG preferred), advanced Microsoft Excel, and document management systems.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and client service skills, with the ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing deadlines, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Flexibility to work occasional overtime as required.