Senior Payroll Specialist

Location: This hybrid role requires 3 days on-site at our Mississauga, ON office and 2 days remote per week.

About Specsavers

Welcome to Specsavers - where we're not just about eyewear and eyecare, we're a purpose-driven organization committed to changing lives through better sight. As a certified Great Place to Work®, we take pride in our optometrist-owned and -led business model, providing quality eyecare and affordable eyewear to Canadians across the country.

Our journey began 40 years ago in the UK, with visionary optometrists Doug and Mary Perkins. Today, we support over 2,600 healthcare businesses spanning 11 countries in our network, passionately caring for more than 42 million patients and customers worldwide.

At Specsavers, we believe that access to quality eyecare should be a right, not a luxury. That's why we go above and beyond to transform the eyecare experience in Canada. With our advanced clinical equipment and an extensive range of affordable and high-quality eyewear, we're here to make a real difference in the lives of our customers.

But that’s not all - we're also dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive work culture. We strive to create an environment where our partners thrive while benefiting from the collective support and resources of our dedicated teams.

If you're passionate about making a difference, providing incredible care, and being part of a values and purpose-driven organization, join us on our journey to revolutionize the way Canadians experience eyecare. Together, we can change lives through better sight.

What You’ll Do

Purpose of the role

The Senior Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in delivering accurate and compliant full-cycle payroll across Canadian Support Offices, Distribution Centres, and wholly owned stores. Positioned as a senior contributor within the Payroll team, this role supports complex payroll processes, mentors junior team members, and partners closely with leadership to drive continuous improvements. The Senior Payroll Specialist ensures legislative compliance and acts as a trusted advisor for complex payroll matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute accurate and timely full-cycle payroll processing in compliance with federal and provincial legislation across multiple provinces.
• Validate complex payroll components, including bonuses, retroactive pay, taxable benefits, benefits premium adjustments, and off-cycle payments to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Lead payroll and benefits reconciliations and support month-end and year-end close activities including T4, T2200, WCB annual returns, and provincial filings.
• Develop payroll and benefits reports to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Provide expert guidance and resolve complex payroll inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Mentor junior payroll team members to support skill development, knowledge sharing, and overall team effectiveness.
• Partner with Finance, HR, IT, and third parties to improve processes and support payroll-related projects.
• Monitor legislative changes and emerging payroll trends; advise leadership on impacts and compliance measures.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve payroll and benefits standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal controls.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• PCP certification required; PLP or group benefits designation (GBA) is a strong asset.
• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a senior role managing full-cycle payroll processing across multiple provinces.
• Deep expertise in Canadian payroll legislation and provincial employment standards.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills, with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and people skills with the ability to influence and support various stakeholders.
• Extensive experience supporting payroll audits, leading benefits reconciliations, strengthening internal controls, and driving compliance initiative.

Nice to have 

• Experience with international mobility / secondments.
• Track-record of applying continuous improvement methodologies.
• In-depth experience managing and integrating multiple HRIS platforms.

Our Fellow ‘Speccies’ Enjoy

• Generous vacation allotment and 1 paid volunteer day
• 1 extra paid day off and an eyecare voucher on your birthday
• RRSP matching
• Quarterly performance bonus
• Healthcare spending account
• Health and dental benefits effective on your first day
• Team and company social events

Behaviours We Value

• Collaborative: We work together as one Specsavers to deliver our purpose
• Curious: We question, explore, and seek out diverse perspectives to develop our knowledge and understanding
• Courageous: We challenge the status quo, we experiment with good ideas, and we are brave, bold, and fast in our decision making
• Compassionate: We care, support, and help each other
• Commercial: We treat money wisely and make decisions that are good for our customers, our partners, our people, and good for the long term

We hope that in applying with us, you value these things as well!

Our Hybrid Work Model

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Specsavers, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that a diverse team enriches our work environment and enables us to achieve our goals. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. If you believe you can contribute to our mission and vision, we welcome your application, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We value the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings to our team.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.