Payroll and Compensation Coordinator(18 Month Leave Coverage, transitioning to Accountant - Permanent, Full-Time)Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation is the founding member of the Bluewater Power Group of Companies, headquartered in Sarnia Ontario. A progressive local distribution company, Bluewater Power distributes power to over 35,000 customers in six Sarnia-Lambton communities. The Bluewater Power Group of Companies also includes the following independent market driven private Corporations: Electek Power Services Inc., Bluewater Power Services Corporation, Bluewater Power Renewable Energy Inc., and Bluewater Regional Networks Inc.
This dual-track opportunity begins with approximately 18 months as Payroll and Compensation Coordinator, covering a leave and leading accurate, timely and compliant payroll, benefits, pension and pay equity administration for union and non-union employees.
Following the leave, the successful candidate will transition permanently to the full-time Accountant role in Finance, supporting financial reporting, reconciliations, variance analysis, budgeting and audits, while serving as backup to the Payroll and Compensation Coordinator.
Duties include:Leave Coverage - Payroll and Compensation Coordinator:- Lead accurate, timely end-to-end biweekly payroll processing for hourly, salaried, union and non-union employees, including validation of employee data and complex payroll calculations.
- Administer employee benefit, pension and retirement programs, including enrollments, terminations, changes, annuitant coverage. Process Records of Employment and employment letters.
- Reconcile benefit statements and payroll to the general ledger, support month-end reporting, and ensure accurate remittances for pension contributions, WSIB, union dues and benefit premiums.
- Manage year-end payroll requirements, including T4 and T4A statements, T4 Summary filing, EHT and WSIB reconciliations, OMERS member data collection and pension adjustments.
- Maintain payroll governance, confidentiality and legislative compliance through documented controls, reconciliations, approvals and audit support; monitor and implement changes to employment, tax, pension, health and safety, and pay equity requirements.
- Manage payroll and time and attendance systems, including testing and troubleshooting earning codes and deductions, and produce scheduled and ad-hoc labour, headcount, overtime, attendance, budgeting and audit reports.
- Support compensation forecasting and workforce planning, respond confidentially to employee and retiree inquiries, collaborate with managers and external partners, and provide backup support to Human Resources department as required.
Permanent Role - Accountant:- Prepare and maintain monthly financial statements to be used by senior management.
- Maintain the General Ledger system in SAP, including recurring journal entries, accruals, account maintenance, system closes and roll forwards.
- Monitor bank accounts monthly and investigate any discrepancies.
- Monitor control accounts such as Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory and Intercompany.
- Compile and manage the annual business budget for areas such as operating and maintenance expenses, revenues, payroll and capital additions.
- Monitor coding and settling of capital assets and amortization and maintain capital asset reporting and variance analysis.
- Validate, review and reconcile accounting for contractor deposits and interest.
- Prepare working papers for external auditors and assist with the audit process.
- Communicate financial information to external agencies such as government and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and compile regulatory/OEB related financial information as needed.
- Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes and their impacts on the organization.
- Develop monthly budget reports for Management and the Board of Directors.
- Act as a liaison between Finance and other departments, and advise, consult, co-ordinate and provide financial support to all levels of management.
- Serve as the backup for the Payroll and Compensation Coordinator and support Finance department as needed.
- Make recommendations for improvements to process, procedures and workflow to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Responsible for working safely in compliance with accepted safe work practices, procedures and legislated health and safety standards.
Qualifications:- University Degree and/or College Diploma in Accounting or Finance from an accredited educational institution required.
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation required.
- Five (5) years of related accounting experience; utility accounting experience is an asset.
- Working knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Hands-on experience working with financial statements and general ledgers, as well as previous audit preparation experience.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite; experience with SAP is an asset.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with acute attention to detail and demonstrated integrity.
- Excellent judgment and discretion in managing highly sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability to remain composed and efficient in a fast-paced, deadline-driven and highly regulated environment.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize work effectively and be organized, with the flexibility to adapt to unforeseen situations.
- Ability to identify issues and demonstrate excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
The following payroll qualifications are considered strong assets:- Canadian Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation.
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now, or comparable payroll and time and attendance systems.
- Knowledge of payroll practices and procedures, benefit and pension administration (including OMERS), government forms and remittances.
- Working knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, CPP, EI, and Canada Revenue Agency tax regulations, with a strong payroll compliance and risk management orientation.
Salary: $91,000 - $116,000 (for qualified candidates)
Interested, qualified applicants are invited to submit an
application in PDF format, detailing their experience and accomplishments
by 4:00 p.m. September 25, 2026 to:
Bluewater Power Distribution CorporationHuman Resources Department
P.O. Box 2140, 855 Confederation Street
Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7L6
Email: Include in the subject line: Payroll and Compensation Coordinator 
