Payroll Specialist

ApplyBoard; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive organization in the education sector is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage the end-to-end payroll process. This role requires attention to detail and includes responsibilities such as ensuring compliance with legislation, leading payroll preparation and reconciliation, and collaborating across teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of payroll experience, a relevant diploma, and proficiency in payroll systems such as Workday. Join us to support our mission to educate the world.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Supportive work environment

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of CRA regulations, Employment Standards, Income Tax, CPP, and EI.
• Experience with U.S., U.K., or India payroll is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll preparation, processing, and reconciliation.
• Serve as the go-to expert on pay, benefits, pensions, and compliance.
• Manage payroll year-end tasks and audit documentation.

Skills

Payroll expertise

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Business administrative or accounting diploma

Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation

Tools

Workday

Excel

Job description

ApplyBoard simplifies the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process by connecting international students, recruitment partners, and educational institutions on one intuitive and personalized platform. ApplyBoard is a mission‑driven, hyper‑growth organization. It has been attracting dedicated individuals for more than eight years who are inspired every day to break down barriers to international education and take their careers to new heights at a company that will invest in their career growth. Our six core values are our compass in our mission to Educate the World and the foundation of our unique company culture. As an organization built on a foundation of diversity, it’s important that our team members are representative of the students from more than 150 countries that we support.

The Opportunity

Are you a detail‑driven, payroll‑savvy professional who thrives on precision and loves being the go‑to expert for all things pay‑related? We’re looking for a Payroll Specialist who’s ready to take ownership of our end‑to‑end payroll process—ensuring every paycheck is accurate, on time, and fully compliant with all legislative requirements.

In this role, you’ll be a key partner and trusted advisor across the organization, collaborating with HR, Finance, and employees alike to deliver a seamless payroll experience. Your expertise will keep our operations running smoothly and our people supported.

What You’ll Be Doing Every Day

• Own the payroll process: Lead end‑to‑end payroll preparation, processing, and reconciliation with precision and timeliness, ensuring every detail—from deductions to ROEs—is accurate.
• Be the payroll expert: Serve as the go‑to expert on pay, benefits, pensions, and compliance, staying ahead of evolving legislation and collective agreements.
• Deliver exceptional support: Act as the primary contact for payroll‑related inquiries, offering clear guidance and top‑notch service that employees can trust.
• Drive continuous improvement: Spot opportunities to streamline processes, enhance systems, and elevate communication and collaboration across teams.
• Foster key partnerships: Build strong relationships with internal partners and external vendors to keep payroll operations efficient and responsive.
• Lead critical reporting: Manage payroll year‑end tasks, reconciliations, and audit documentation with accuracy and insight.
• Advise with expertise: Translate legislative updates and policy changes into actionable guidance, ensuring the business stays informed and compliant.
• Provide strategic financial insight: Prepare benefit analyses, accruals, and other key payroll data to inform financial decision‑making.
• Support cross‑functional success: Collaborate with Finance on ad‑hoc projects and accounting activities that drive organizational efficiency.

What You Bring to the Table

• Successful completion of a business administrative or accounting diploma or related discipline from a recognized community college/university.
• Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation through the National Payroll Institute (NPI) in progress or completed.
• Minimum of 2+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Experience with Workday or a major payroll system is preferred.
• Strong, current knowledge of CRA regulations, Employment Standards, Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Employment Insurance (EI).
• Exposure to U.S., U.K., and/or India payroll is considered a strong asset.
• Advanced analytical and reconciliation skills with high proficiency in Excel and payroll systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem‑solving ability, and communication skills.

About ApplyBoard

ApplyBoard empowers students around the world to access the best education. With more than 1,000,000 students from over 150 countries helped with their journey in less than a decade, we are just getting started.

ApplyBoard’s global team assists students and our 1,500+ partner institutions by empowering the international student sector with innovative technology and insights. As a five‑time consecutive Deloitte Fast 50 and Fast 500 ranked company, ApplyBoard keeps international students at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for your interest in joining the ApplyBoard Team and being part of our mission to Educate the World. While we are lucky to attract a high level of interest in each of our roles, only qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for an interview.

ApplyBoard welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all aspects of the hiring and selection process.