Payroll Specialist (12 Month Contract)

Description

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About this opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

The role is a key resource in the complete co-ordination and implementation of all compensation administrative functions, including payroll administration. Demonstrates a detailed understanding of associated policies, procedures, compliance, and regulatory requirements. Ensures activities are delivered in a timely and highly precise manner by developing and following relevant processes and procedures. With specialized knowledge of these functions, providing advice to the Employee Experience team, employees, and leaders. Work effectively with the Manager, Employee Experience Operation and Employee Experience Operations Partners to deliver an exceptional employee experience to all employees.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

• Manage the ongoing administration and bi-weekly processing requirements of the payroll process. This includes full payroll cycle from timesheet entry to posting to general ledgers.
• Develop process and structure that allows for seamless execution of payroll while ensuring policy and relevant legislative compliance at all times.
• Act as a key resource on CRA and all relevant provincial and federal legislation for all Meridian companies; make recommendations on the application of varying legislation.
• As the specialist in payroll, fully cross train and maintain ongoing communication with peers to allow for appropriate payroll implementation and processing.
• Accurately and efficiently process all required Record of Employments.
• Reconcile and produce required government remittances and meet annual T4 tax requirements.
• Participate in year-end process for annual Pension Adjustment determination.
• Oversees the administration and calculation of taxable benefits, including mortgage and line of credit benefit programs.

External Operations

• Act as key liaison with external payroll vendors to deal with complex issues and ensure high service standards are being met.
• Co-operation and compliance with internal and external audit procedures and requirements.

Internal Operations

• Assist with the development and revision of Employee Experience Operations owned policies.
• Maintain pay and compensation information in policies, booklets, guides, web portals, websites, etc.
• Prepare and process payments for all paid leaves administered by the Pension & Benefits team.
• Support the Pension & Benefit retirement service awards calculations.
• Represent Employee Experience Operations on various special projects / initiatives, leveraging subject matter expertise to contribute to an optimal end product.

HR Relations

• Provide support and clarity to HR team on all issues related to payroll and compensation offered at Meridian.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in all areas of work concerning employee relations.
• Act as a key resource with regards to severance package calculations and severance related expenditures. Provide severance reconciliation information and assist in the investigation of variances against accruals.
• Provide input on the annual variable incentive plan recommendations and play a key role in the calculation of ASR and STIP payments.Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the calculations, processing and record keeping.
• Supply salary budget data as required, and participate in monthly and annual salary budget process.
  
  

HRIS/Financial Reporting

• Accountable for the reconciliation of all relevant payroll and compensation general ledgers. Develop key relationships with Finance and provide support, documentation, and checks & balances to ensure accuracy of financial statements.
• Partner with Finance to create and reconcile monthly severance reports, providing further information as required.
• In conjunction with Performance Measurement and Financial Reporting, create and develop reports to meet management requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong specialized knowledge of all HR, Compensation, and Payroll policies and procedures, and all relevant legislation and external supplier contracts. This includes knowledge of CRA and ESA legislation.
• Strong client service skills to effectively provide advice to the Employee Experience team and employees.
• Proven financial reporting capabilities, including comprehension and application of accepted accounting principles and reconciliation procedures.
  
• Strong proven computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel at an advanced level.
  
• Proven time management ability and meticulous work habits and record keeping, for duties characterized by frequent change and non-negotiable deadlines.
  
• Courteous and professional, with the ability to work as an independent contributor and a positive team member.
  
• Commitment to the ongoing enhancement of skills and knowledge supported by a learning environment.
  
• Proven ability to work in a confidential manner, demonstrating appropriate discretion at all times.
  

Education, Work Experience, and Professional Designations/Certifications

• Completion of the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) through CPA.
  
• Completion of Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation through CPA is strongly preferred.
  
• Minimum 5 years HR Professional experience preferred in a similar role.
  
• Bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting is an asset.

• Comfort learning and adopting new digital tools, with an openness to using AI‑enabled technology to enhance productivity, accuracy, and the Member experience.

This role represents an existing vacancy. Internal candidates are being considered as part of our standard process.

Salary Range: CAD $52,000.00 to $78,000.00 annually.

Compensation for this role is based on a combination of skills, experience, and internal equity. Candidates with stronger alignment to the role’s requirements may be placed higher within the range. Your recruiter will share more information about our total rewards package during the hiring process.

Office Location:

Toronto Corporate Office located at 3280 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON. or
St. Catharines Corporate Office, located at 75 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines, ON.

This is a hybrid work opportunity.

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.

What's in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients
• You'll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders
• Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
• This isn't your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun!

Build the Future of Banking with Us

At Meridian, we’re not just adapting to the future—we’re shaping it. We see talent as a catalyst for sustainable growth, community impact, and future-readiness. As the financial landscape evolves, we’re looking for team members who bring:

• Embedding & leveraging technology – Confidence and willingness to learn and integrate AI and emerging technologies into new ways of working. Experience with low/no code tools like the Microsoft Power Platform and generative AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot is considered an asset
• Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret information from various sources and apply logic and problem solving to make decisions.
• Data Driven– Leverage data and insights to identify, prioritize and improve member experience and business efficiency.
• Curiosity & Flexibility – Comfortable navigating and embracing change and uncertainty, ask more questions, explore more options. Continuously learn and grow.

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 380,000 Members. Meridian has more than 80 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 87 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 32B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2200 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life.

Find our story here: