Bilingual Coordinator, Payroll & Benefits

Job Description

At McCarthy Tétrault, we offer challenging and rewarding career opportunities and are delighted to have been selected for the eleventh consecutive year in 2023 as one of and one of . Our culture is built on professional excellence, collaboration, innovation, thought leadership and entrepreneurialism. We embrace inclusion in all its forms and we provide the tools and opportunities to help our people develop to their full potential.

Bilingualism is required as this is a collaborative role at the national level and the candidate will be handling and following up on various requests from clients and third parties who only understand and communicate in English. This position also requires the candidate to be able to interact seamlessly with colleagues in our offices across Canada, where English is the predominant language. As we estimate that more than 60% of the work required for this position must be performed in English, and in order to ensure that the employee in this position can perform their duties autonomously and effectively, candidates for this position must be able to communicate appropriately in French and English both orally and in writing.

This position is based out of Montreal . McCarthy Tétrault employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Reporting to the Manager Total Rewards, is responsible for the effective and accurate administration of Firm-wide national payroll and benefits transactions for Staff and Lawyers.

As a Bilingual Coordinator, Payroll & Benefits, you will be:

• Provides timely and accurate processing of information coming through the Payroll Services and HR Services mailbox:Acting as the first point of contact for all payroll inquiries from Local HR Representatives.Organizing all payroll transaction documents regularly; sorting and categorizing them per pay periods for upcoming cycles.Providing general payroll assistance to members of the Firm upon request.Categorizing, assigning and processing emails received in various departmental mailboxes.
• Ensures timely and accurate calculations of payment of salaries in accordance with established policies and procedures:Timely and accurate processing all Firm-wide payroll transactions including overtime sheets, payroll transaction forms, special deductions and reimbursements, statutory holidays, bonus payments, salary increases (including retros), banking changes, etc.Ensuring that the employee’s payroll information is accurate in the system (Coordinating the manual cheques process and ensuring timely reconciliation with pay).Reviewing and validating accuracy of payroll data prior to submission to the Paymaster.Creating and/or running routine reports from payroll system.Updating and maintaining proper payroll documentation.Investigating and resolving transactional payroll issues with Local HR Representatives.Coordinate with the payroll and benefits application vendors (UKG, Paychex, Telus, etc.), Supporting the payroll year-end process (relevés 1, T4s, T4As, W2, taxable benefits, etc.).Working with the Paymaster to foresee potential problems within the payroll transactions process.
• Responsible for timely and accurate non-government institutions payroll remittances and reconciliations of these accountsCalculating, remitting and reconciling bi-weekly and monthly remittances to non-government institutions (includes: Pension Plan, Group RRSP, Sun Life, United Way, etc) and maintaining good relationships with their representatives.Keeping appropriate records.Maintaining and updating payroll remittances process documentation for back-up purposes.
• Back up to the Paymaster when awayReplacing the Paymaster’s by accomplishing critical duties to successfully deliver pay run processes and process the accounting tasks.
• Responsible for the administrative activities related to leave management (short-term and long-term disability, maternity/parental leaves, etc.)In a timely manner, create an electronic file for the Firm member who will be absent from work and update the appropriate leave management file accordingly.When there is an update from the employee or from the short-term and long-term disability management providers, updating all concerned parties as well as the employee’s file and leave management file.Ensuring the changes of status in the integrated HR/Payroll system and prepare payroll transactions as per the latest update provided.
• Responsible for timely administration of Firm benefit programsCoordinating the wellness, stipend, technology and tuition reimbursement program including communications, answering Firm members questions, coordinating reimbursements and taxable benefit with payroll.Providing back up for processing and maintaining the member’s benefit (group insurance plan, pensions plans, group RRSP, etc. )Providing back up for management of professional dues and professional memberships.
• Other duties as assigned.

As our ideal candidate, you will distinguish yourself by the following profile:

• College diploma in an accounting related field.
• A minimum of 3-4 years of payroll experience in a mid to large size firm and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Professional certification (PCP) from the National Payroll Institute preferred.
• Experience in processing payroll and related accounting in a multi-provincial environment and/or multinational environment.
• Experience with the UKG system would be an asset but not required.
• Solid computer knowledge including Microsoft Word and advanced Excel and ability to keep up-to-date with changes in technology.
• Able to prioritize, including excellent time management and planning skills. Takes initiative to manage workload fluctuations. Able to meet critical deadlines, with strict attention to details.
• Reliable and able to carry out job responsibilities with minimal supervision. Confident in making day-to-day decisions but also knows when to escalate and seek supervisory assistance.
• Works well under pressure within non flexible deadline and adjusts to changing needs of the Firm. Can function in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a cool and calm exterior.
• Personable, approachable disposition; has strong professional acumen.
• Able to handle confidential information, exercising tact and discretion in dealing with people and/or sensitive issues.
• Bilingualism (French and English), written and spoken.

As a member of the McCarthy team, you will have access to:

• Outstanding benefits from day one, including insurance premiums paid by the Firm and wellness and technology reimbursements.
• Competitive compensation, paid overtime and generous time off, including a day off to volunteer and a day off for your birthday.
• A commitment to professional development and growth opportunities for our people at all levels, supported by a culture that fully embraces and encourages two-way feedback.
• Strong community involvement and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A collaborative, cohesive culture that connects lawyers and business teams through collective purpose.

We thank all applicants for their interest in McCarthy Tétrault; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about application status. McCarthy Tétrault is an equal opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.