Accounting & Finance

Payroll Specialist

Jaybird Studios Ltd

Toronto · On · Canada

Lagree West and Jaybird are sister brands, providing two different ways to move under one shared operating philosophy.
Lagree West offers high-intensity, low-impact, Pilates-inspired classes that build strength and flexibility. We're known for exceptional instruction, a strong mind-to-muscle connection, and warm service that feels personal. You'll find us in seven studios across Vancouver and Victoria.
Jaybird is a mindful, music-driven experience in a heated infrared room, lit by candlelight. With six studios in Vancouver, Toronto and new york, our Pilates- and Yoga-inspired classes invite you to be present, move with intention, and feel yourself on a deeper level.

our team

Joining our team means helping create the kind of experience people look forward to all day. We care about how guests feel in the room, how we support each other, and how we show up every shift. We hold ourselves to a high standard and take pride in delivering consistent excellence, from the first hello to the last stretch.
Our values of Creating Amazement, Growth Mindset, and Pure Connection shape how we show up for guests and for each other. They're the standard we hold, the way we lead, and the reason our studios feel the way they do.

role summary

The Payroll Specialist will lead the transition of Canadian payroll in-house and own its ongoing administration across Jaybird and Lagree West. The role will also support the implementation and execution of U.S. payroll as Jaybird expands into New York.

Payroll is processed bi-weekly for each brand on alternating schedules, creating an active payroll cycle each week. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for payroll preparation, validation, reconciliation, reporting and compliance.

This role will work closely with Finance, People, Operations and Studio Leadership to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time and that payroll information is complete, properly approved and accurately reflected in the financial records.

core responsibilites

Payroll Processing

Own end-to-end payroll processing across all Canadian & U.S. entities and studio locations

Support the implementation and execution of U.S. payroll for New York operations

Review, validate and process payroll inputs, including:

New hires and terminations

Compensation and employment-status changes

Hourly and salaried compensation

Instructor and other variable pay

Bonuses, commissions and incentives

Vacation and statutory holiday pay

Leaves of absence and other payroll-related employee changes

Partner with People, Operations and Studio Leadership to ensure payroll inputs are complete, accurate and approved by established deadlines

Reconcile payroll registers to approved employee changes, time records and variable-pay inputs

Prepare payroll variance and exception reports for review before final approval

Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll inquiries

Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation

Payroll Accounting and Reporting

Prepare payroll journal entries and supporting schedules

Reconcile payroll expenses, liabilities, deductions and remittances

Prepare reporting on payroll costs, headcount, overtime, vacation liabilities and other relevant workforce metrics

Support Finance with payroll-related month-end and year-end reporting

Ensure payroll reconciliations and journal entries are completed within the monthly close timetable

Year-End and Compliance

Support year-end payroll reporting, including Canadian T4 slips and T4A slips for applicable contractors, U.S. W-2 forms and applicable 1099 forms, along with related federal and state payroll filings

Process Records of Employment and other required payroll documentation

Monitor payroll deadlines, statutory remittances and required filings

Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable provincial, state and federal requirements

Coordinate with ADP and external payroll, tax and employment advisors on U.S. payroll requirements

Support payroll, financial and compliance audits

Escalate payroll and compliance matters requiring additional review

Controls and Process Improvement

Maintain appropriate segregation of duties across payroll preparation, review, approval and funding

Build and maintain payroll calendars, procedures, checklists and approval workflows

Support the optimization of ADP Workforce Now and related payroll systems

Improve the flow of payroll information between Finance, People, Operations and Studio Leadership

Identify opportunities to automate or simplify manual payroll processes

Support integrations between payroll, scheduling, HRIS and accounting systems

Establish and maintain a documented payroll backup and business-continuity process

Key Requirements

5+ years of end-to-end payroll experience

Strong knowledge of Canadian & US payroll legislation and employment standards

Experience with ADP Workforce Now required

Experience using Jebra is an asset

Payroll Compliance Professional designation, or progress toward completion, preferred

Experience in a multi-location, hourly or service-based business strongly preferred

Experience with instructor, commission-based or other variable compensation structures is an asset

Exposure to U.S. payroll, particularly New York payroll, is an asset

Strong Excel and data-management skills

High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Clear and professional written and verbal communication

Ability to manage confidential employee information with discretion

We are also looking for someone who:

Takes ownership and follows through

Catches issues before they become problems

Is highly organized and detail-oriented

Understands payroll as both a financial control and a critical part of the employee experience

Communicates clearly and respectfully

Can balance accuracy with practical execution

Is comfortable working across multiple entities, brands and locations

Thrives in a growing environment where systems and processes are still being developed

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Within the first year, this individual will have:

Successfully transitioned Canadian payroll in-house without material payment, remittance or reporting failures

Established accurate, repeatable and well-documented payroll processes

Completed payroll accurately and on schedule, with required inputs approved before processing

Established clear controls across payroll preparation, review, approval and funding

Completed payroll reconciliations and journal entries within the monthly close timetable

Supported the successful launch of U.S. payroll before the first New York employees commence work

Reduced payroll errors, exceptions and manual workarounds

Perks of Being on the Team

Unlimited Standby Classes - Move, sweat, and reset whenever space allows

Exclusive Discounts - On Lagree West and Jaybird classes, retail, and partner brands

Growth Opportunities - Be part of a growing brand with room to advance

Wellness-Focused Workplace - A positive, inspiring environment

Connected Team Culture - Work alongside people who get it

Job Information

Type: Part Time

Reports to: This role will report to the Director of Finance and work closely with People, Operations and Studio Leadership.

Schedule: This is a permanent part-time position expected to require approximately 16-20 hours per week. Payroll is processed bi-weekly for each brand on alternating schedules, resulting in an active payroll cycle each week.

The successful candidate must be consistently available during established payroll-processing and approval windows. Additional hours may be required during the initial transition, year-end reporting, statutory deadlines and the launch of U.S. payroll.

Salary: Compensation is expected to be between $36 and $40 per hour, based on experience, payroll credentials, ADP Workforce Now proficiency and exposure to U.S. payroll.

Lagree West and Jaybird are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone on our team.

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and expectations of this role. It is not a comprehensive list of all duties that may be required. Responsibilities, deliverables, and expectations may evolve based on business needs. The company reserves the right to modify this description at any time.

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Reference: WJ-291_11219756

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