Payroll Specialist

Accountant Staffing; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Accountant Staffing is seeking a hands-on Payroll Specialist to provide temporary support during a period of growth. Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, this contract role involves managing union payroll for 140+ employees and driving process improvements for accuracy and compliance.

You will review payroll workflows, perform calculations, and apply collective agreements for skilled trades while working independently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll administration, preferably in a unionized setting.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency with payroll and ERP systems.
• Strong attention to detail and risk awareness.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Process union payroll for 140+ employees, ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration in accordance with applicable collective agreements and union-specific requirements
• Perform payroll calculations, reconciliations, reporting, and data validation
• Interpret and apply collective agreement provisions for various skilled trades
• Review payroll records, calculations, and processes to identify discrepancies, potential compliance concerns, and areas of risk
• Assess existing payroll workflows and recommend practical improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and consistency
• Provide hands-on support to maintain reliable payroll operations as the organization grows

Skills

Payroll administration

Union payroll experience

Advanced Excel

ERP systems proficiency

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is seeking a hands-on Payroll Specialist to provide temporary support during a period of business growth and increased hiring. This role offers the opportunity to contribute immediately by supporting day-to-day payroll operations, reviewing existing processes, identifying discrepancies, and recommending practical improvements to strengthen accuracy and compliance.

This is a full-time contract opportunity with an initial three-month term based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Key Responsibilities for the Job:

• Process union payroll for approximately 140+ employees, ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration in accordance with applicable collective agreements and union-specific requirements
• Perform payroll calculations, reconciliations, reporting, and data validation
• Interpret and apply collective agreement provisions for various skilled trades
• Review payroll records, calculations, and processes to identify discrepancies, potential compliance concerns, and areas of risk
• Assess existing payroll workflows and recommend practical improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and consistency
• Provide hands-on support to maintain reliable payroll operations as the organization continues to grow

Experience & Attributes for Success:

• Demonstrated experience in payroll administration, ideally within a unionized environment
• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to analyze data, identify discrepancies, and develop reports
• Proficiency with payroll and ERP systems; experience with multiple systems is an asset
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strong attention to detail and the ability to recognize potential risks
• Experience reviewing payroll processes, identifying control gaps, and recommending improvements
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and make an immediate contribution in a fast-paced environment

Accountant Staffing is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We believe that it is essential for workforces to reflect the communities they serve, where everyone feels included and valued. We promote environments that value and respect all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, or any other personal characteristic.

We encourage applications from underrepresented groups including African Canadians, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Racially Visible Persons, Women, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.

Self-identification is encouraged but not required during the application process and accommodations can be requested during the recruitment process. If accommodations are needed during the assessment process, such as an interview or testing, please let us know and we will make arrangements to meet your needs.