Payroll Analyst

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Payroll Services, the incumbent is responsible for the analysis, monitoring, and processing of complex payroll cases requiring recurring manual interventions.The role aims to ensure payroll accuracy in the short term while actively identifying, documenting, and supporting opportunities for automation and continuous process improvement. Particular attention is given to data quality, HR requests, and system interfaces, including ServiceNow, VIP, and Via360. ResponsibilitiesAnalysis and processing of HR requests and payroll corrections

• Analyze and process complex HR requests and payroll corrections, including administrative changes and required adjustments to ensure compliant and accurate payroll (e.g., rehires, grievances, mass layoffs).
• Analyze recurring errors related to data quality in timekeeping systems and other systems.
• Monitor complex cases, document anomalies, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions or standardization opportunities.
• Act as a subject matter expert for cases requiring interpretation of payroll rules, collective agreements, or internal processes.

Analysis and triage of ServiceNow requests Manage requests received through ServiceNow (HR and payroll requests) by performing a preliminary analysis to:

• Classify the nature of the request (correction, change, recurring issue, system issue, process issue),
• Assess the impact on payroll, compliance, and processing timelines,
• Determine whether the request requires immediate action, escalation, consolidation, or redirection to another stakeholder.

Production and analysis of manual reports

• Produce and validate manually prepared government or regulatory reports, particularly those related to overtime.
• Provide temporary analytical support to Wellnest, including data validation and preparation of ad hoc deliverables.
• Interpret results of various analyses, ensure data consistency, and flag any anomalies or compliance issues.

Contribution to continuous improvement and automation

• Collaborate with internal teams (HR Technology, VIP development, legal, operations) to identify, prioritize, and document automation opportunities arising from recurring manual activities.
• Contribute to defining business requirements for developing automated reports or controls (VIP, ServiceNow, Via360).
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing errors, optimizing workflows, and improving upstream data quality.
• Support testing, validation, and deployment phases of solutions as required.

What We Are Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or a college diploma (DEC) with relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting and year-end accounting processes.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in system management and/or operational tasks within the accounting operations field.
• An accredited certification from the National Payroll Institute and knowledge of the Canada Labour Code are considered strong assets.
• Advanced knowledge of the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Teams, SharePoint, and aptitude for systems related to accounting operations.
• Knowledge of the VIP payroll and HR system (DLGL) and familiarity with a time and attendance management system are important assets.
• Experience applying collective agreements is a significant asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a well-developed analytical mindset, and the ability to play a key role in change management.
• Demonstrated decision-making ability and capacity to propose solutions to complex problems.
• Flexibility and proven strengths in process improvement and quality control.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both official languages (English and French).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and adapt in a changing environment.
• Strong sense of urgency.
• Ability to organize quickly and demonstrate flexibility.
• Strong attention to detail.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential. If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential. Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview. Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!