Payroll & System Specialist

shn; Toronto; On-site; CAD 97,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Scarborough Health Network is seeking a Payroll & Systems Specialist to design, configure, and optimize the Workday HCM environment with a primary focus on Payroll. You will lead Workday architecture, ensure scalable and compliant solutions, and collaborate with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to improve processes.

The role requires strong Workday expertise, payroll knowledge, and a track record of delivering effective system enhancements in a large healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of Workday Experience focusing on configuration/architecture.
• Experience as Workday SME or Architect with understanding of design and module interdependencies.
• Hands-on Workday Payroll experience or strong payroll knowledge in Workday.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, configuration, and optimization of Workday HCM with payroll focus.
• Serve as Workday SME for architecture, design, and integrations across modules.
• Coordinate Workday releases, impact analysis, testing, and deployment of features.
• Translate business requirements into scalable Workday solutions and best practices.
• Map payroll configurations to GL and cost centres, support financial integration.
• Troubleshoot complex payroll-system issues and implement sustainable fixes.
• Develop Go-to-Workday training, workflows, and system documentation.
• Support data flows between Workday and other systems and ensure accuracy.

Skills

Workday SME

Workday Architect

Payroll systems

Data analysis

System integration

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Post-secondary education in Payroll/HR/Accounting/IT

Workday certification(s)

National Payroll Institute (NPI) certification (asset)

Tools

Workday

UKG

HRIS platforms

Job description

Job Number: JR107065

Job Title: Payroll & System Specialist

Union: Union

Job Category: ProfessionalHospital

Location: Consilium Place

Job Type: Permanent, Full time

Number of Positions: 1

Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $46.876 - $54.342

Hours: Days

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites,Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for ourleading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud tobe namedCanada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employersfor 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview

The Payroll & Systems Specialist is a key technical resource responsible for the design, configuration, and ongoing optimization of the Workday HCM environment, with a primary focus on Payroll.

This role requires strong Workday architectural expertise, combined with a solid understanding of payroll operations, to support system design, enhancements, and enterprise-wide initiatives. The Specialist will lead the analysis, configuration, and evolution of Workday, ensuring scalable, efficient, and compliant solutions that align with organizational needs.

Working closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT stakeholders, the Payroll & Systems Specialist acts as a subject matter expert for Workday, driving system improvements, resolving complex issues, and enhancing business processes. While payroll knowledge is required, the emphasis of this role is on Workday system architecture, configuration, and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, configuration, and ongoing optimization of Workday HCM, with a primary focus on the Payroll module
• Act as a subject matter expert in Workday architecture, including system design, configuration, and integration points across modules
• Support and coordinate Workday releases, including impact analysis, testing, and deployment of new features and functionality
• Analyze business requirements and translate them into scalable Workday solutions aligned with best practices
• Configure and maintain payroll elements (earnings, deductions, pay groups), pay schedules, and year-end processing within Workday
• Map payroll configurations to GL and cost centre structures and support financial integration requirements
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system and payroll-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions
• Partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT stakeholders to enhance workflows, automation, and overall system utilization
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including configurations, workflows, and design decisions and training materials
• Support integrations and data flows between Workday and other systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability
• Provide guidance and training to end users on Workday functionality and best practices
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to optimize payroll processes and system performance
• Support payroll operations as required, including full-cycle payroll processing, reconciliations, and year-end activities
• Perform other duties or responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience working with Workday, with strong emphasis on system configuration, design, or architecture
• Proven experience acting as a Workday SME or Architect, with deep understanding of Workday framework, business process design, and module interdependencies
• Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll (or strong Workday experience with transferable payroll knowledge)
• Minimum of 3–4 years of payroll experience, including exposure to full-cycle payroll processing and year-end activities
• Experience supporting system implementations, upgrades, or enhancements within Workday or similar HRIS platforms
• Strong understanding of payroll processes and how they integrate within an HCM system
• Experience with Workday reporting, data analysis, and/or report writing is an asset
• Experience with integrations, data mapping, or system interfaces is considered a strong asset
• Knowledge of time and attendance systems (e.g., UKG) is an asset
• Experience in large Healthcare organizations (or equivalent) with unionized environment is an asset
• Experience with Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan) is an asset
• Post-secondary education in Payroll, HR, Accounting, Business, IT, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Workday certification(s) and National Payroll Institute (NPI) certification are assets
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to translate business requirements into effective technical solutions
• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and data integrity
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Learn more about our exciting opportunities by following SHNCareers on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.