Payroll Specialist

Algoma Steel Inc; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading steel manufacturer in Sault Ste. Marie is seeking a Payroll Support Specialist. This role includes processing payroll, maintaining documentation, and assisting with compliance reporting. Ideal candidates should have a diploma in a related field and experience in payroll or accounting. A commitment to obtaining Payroll Compliance Practitioner certification is necessary. This position offers growth opportunities in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in payroll, accounting, HR, or administrative roles.
• Commit to obtaining Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification within 3 years.
• Foundational understanding of Canadian payroll legislation.
• Experience with payroll systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly and bi-weekly payrolls for employees and retirees.
• Maintain payroll procedures and documentation.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and reporting.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries.

Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Effective communication skills

Strong organizational abilities

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

Tools

SAP

UKG

Job description

Overview

ALGOMA STEEL INC.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada

The Company

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Algoma has a proud history as a leading manufacturer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate products. We are Canada’s only discrete plate producer and one of the lowest-cost producers of hot-rolled sheet steel in North America owing in part to our state-of-the-art Direct Strip Production Complex. Our steel is used in construction, mining, manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, and energy sectors including renewable energy and military applications. Today’s steel industry is rapidly evolving and so are we, transitioning to electric arc steelmaking technology that will position Algoma as one of North America’s leading producers of green steel, bringing low-carbon steel products to market, shrinking our environmental footprint, and securing a more sustainable future.

We invite those with a talent and drive for superior performance, who desire to be part of a team of steel industry professionals to apply. Join us as we build on our rich, century-long tradition of delivering quality steel products to our customers, improving the quality of life for our community, and providing rich and rewarding careers for our employees.

Primary Purpose

To support the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees and pensioners, while learning and developing expertise in payroll systems, compliance, and reporting. This role provides foundational experience in payroll operations and offers growth opportunities through mentorship and certification.

Functional Accountabilities

• Assist in processing monthly and bi-weekly payrolls for employees and retirees.
• Support pension payroll activities and ensure timely payments.
• Help maintain payroll procedures and documentation to ensure seamless integration with HR, Finance, and IT systems.
• Learn and apply statutory reporting requirements and remittance schedules for employee and employer obligations.
• Assist in fulfilling Company and Union payroll-related requirements (e.g., leave bank reconciliations, annual CBA / company policy items).
• Collaborate with IT and HR teams to support payroll system updates and testing.
• Escalate payroll system issues to senior team members as needed.

Direct Process Accountabilities

• Support payroll processing for employees, retirees, and affiliates (e.g., US Sales, EPCL), including off-cycle runs.
• Assist in preparing Records of Employment (ROEs) per government requirements.
• Help ensure accurate remittances to government agencies and third-party vendors.
• Participate in year-end payroll activities and adhoc reporting (e.g., T4 / T4A, CPP / EI, WSIB, EHT).
• Assist with general ledger reconciliations and journal entries.
• Maintain documentation for payroll-related financial transactions and audit trails.
• Track payroll statistics and reporting for each pay period.
• Participate in periodic audits of payroll data and controls.
• Validate data entry and ensure accuracy across HR / payroll systems.
• Support quarterly reviews and annual audit processes.
• Respond to basic payroll-related inquiries and escalate complex issues.

Indirect Process Accountabilities

• Assist in preparing budget inputs and management reports.
• Help enforce financial controls and policies related to payroll.
• Contribute to labour and financial analysis under guidance.
• Suggest improvements to payroll accuracy and efficiency.
• Remain reasonably available during off-hours for urgent payroll-related support (as needed).

Education and Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification not required at entry, but candidates must commit to obtaining PCP certification within 3 years of start date in role.
• 2-3 years of experience in payroll, accounting, HR, or administrative roles.
• Exposure to payroll systems (e.g., SAP, UKG) is an asset but not required.

Technical & Analytical Competencies

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, sorting, filtering).
• Understanding of payroll systems such as SAP or UKG.
• Foundational understanding of Canadian payroll legislation (ESA, CPP, EI, WSIB, EHT); exposure to U.S. payroll regulations is an asset.
• Ability to work with data, perform reconciliations, and assist in reporting tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Core Competencies

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Problem solving skills
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Willingness to learn and grow within the payroll function.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Job Location: On-site in Sault Ste. Marie, ON

This is a vacancy in our Salaried Union LU2724.