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Who – the Organization:
Swim Recruiting is partnering with a well-established Vancouver-based post-secondary institution known for its collaborative, people-focused culture and long employee tenure. The organization is currently navigating a period of transition, including internal restructuring and a planned merger with a university that is expected to expand program offerings into bachelor’s degrees and strengthen long-term sustainability. While there are short-term changes, the organization is positioning itself for future growth and stability. Leadership is looking for someone who brings reliability, accountability, and a steady presence, and who is interested in contributing to a function that is expected to evolve as the organization grows.

What – the Role:
Swim Recruiting is conducting a search for a Payroll & Accounting Specialist. This is a newly restructured full-time role that blends core payroll responsibilities with accounting support. Reporting to the Accounting Manager and working closely with HR, the Specialist will play a key role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations, while supporting payroll-related accounting processes.
Key responsibilities include:
Payroll (primary focus)

• End-to-end processing of a BC-based payroll using Avanti.
• Ensuring compliance with BC Employment Standards and statutory requirements.
• Managing payroll changes including hires, terminations, ROEs, leaves, and benefits updates.
• Handling a higher volume of terminations and employee inquiries in a restructuring environment.
• Responding to employee questions in a clear, professional, and timely manner.
• Maintaining accurate payroll records and audit-ready documentation.

Accounting (secondary focus)

• Preparing payroll-related journal entries in Microsoft Dynamics.
• Supporting reconciliations and month-end close processes.
• Assisting with payroll reporting and variance analysis.
• Partnering with Finance and HR on compensation, benefits, and policy-related matters.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys being directly involved in the work, understands payroll in detail, and can operate independently while collaborating across teams.

Who – the Candidate:
We are seeking a payroll professional who is comfortable working in a changing environment and who brings both technical capability and a strong sense of ownership over their work.
Ideal candidates will bring:

• 3–5+ years of full-cycle payroll experience in British Columbia.
• Strong working knowledge of BC Employment Standards and payroll compliance.
• Experience processing payroll in a structured system environment (Avanti is an asset).
• Exposure to payroll accounting, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Ability to clearly explain payroll processes and demonstrate hands-on ownership.
• Experience handling employee inquiries with professionalism and sound judgment.

You will stand out if you:

• Have completed or are pursuing the PCP designation.
• Bring experience in a post-secondary or similarly structured environment.
• Show interest in developing your payroll and accounting skillset over time.

Are proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work with minimal supervision.
This role is best suited to someone who is engaged in payroll as a function and interested in growing within it over time.
 

Systems & Skills:

• Experience with Avanti (payroll system) is an asset.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics (ERP/accounting) is an asset.
• Strong Excel skills for data validation, reporting, and analysis.
• Ability to work with structured systems and maintain data accuracy.

How Much:

• Base salary: $75,000 – $80,000.
• Potential for salary progression following initial performance review (approx. 6 months).
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• RRSP matching.

Where:
The role is based in Vancouver and requires regular on-site presence. Current structure is four days in office and one day from home, subject to operational needs. Candidates should be comfortable working primarily on-site and being present with the team.

When & How to Apply:
Swim Recruiting is presenting short-listed candidates directly to the hiring team. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to your Swim contact or apply through our website.