Strategic Payroll & Benefits Specialist

AppDirect, Inc; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AppDirect, Inc in Montreal is seeking an experienced USA Benefits & Payroll Administrator to own end-to-end payroll for multiple US entities and administer comprehensive benefits programs across several companies.

The role requires 3–5+ years in US payroll and benefits, strong regulatory knowledge, and proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms. You will collaborate with Finance, Legal, and People Operations to ensure accurate, compliant processes and a smooth employee experience.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of hands-on US payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations and benefits compliance including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and 401(k) plan administration.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms such as ADP, Paylocity, Gusto, Rippling, or similar.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets - VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data reconciliation are second nature to you.
• A track record of handling sensitive compensation and personal data with the highest level of discretion and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for multiple US-based entities, including regular, off-cycle, and ad hoc payroll runs.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings, and all payroll-related transactions.
• Manage multi-state payroll tax registrations, closures, filings, and compliance - including SUI and SIT accounts.
• Lead year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation, reconciliation, and distribution.
• Serve as the primary liaison with payroll vendors and resolve processing issues in a timely manner.
• Audit and maintain payroll records to ensure data integrity across all entities.
• Administer all US employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k) plans across multiple companies.
• Manage the full benefits lifecycle: enrollment, changes, terminations, COBRA, QMCSO, and qualifying life events.
• Lead annual open enrollment planning, communication, execution, and post-enrollment reconciliation for all supported entities.
• Partner with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators on plan setup, renewals, billing reconciliation, and issue resolution; negotiate contracts and renewals on behalf of the organization.
• Support 401(k) plan administration including audit coordination, compliance testing (ADP/ACP, top-heavy), and Form 5500 filings.
• Administer and track employee leaves of absence in compliance with FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave laws, and company policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and vendors on leave eligibility, documentation requirements, timelines, and status updates.
• Coordinate leave-related pay, benefits continuation, and return-to-work processes.
• Partner with managers and HR Business Partners to ensure a smooth, supportive experience throughout the leave lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate, confidential leave records and reporting in HRIS and case management systems.
• Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll and benefits regulations (FLSA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance filings including ACA reporting (1094-C/1095-C), EEO-1, and state-specific requirements.
• Generate and analyze payroll and benefits reports to support audits, budgeting, and leadership decision-making.
• Support due diligence and integration activities related to newly acquired entities.

Skills

Excel / Google Sheets

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business / Finance

FPC / CPP / CEBS certification (preferred)

Tools

ADP

Paylocity

Gusto

Rippling

Job description

AppDirect, Inc in Montreal is seeking an experienced USA Benefits & Payroll Administrator to own end-to-end payroll for multiple US entities and administer comprehensive benefits programs across several companies.

The role requires 3–5+ years in US payroll and benefits, strong regulatory knowledge, and proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms. You will collaborate with Finance, Legal, and People Operations to ensure accurate, compliant processes and a smooth employee experience.