Job Title: HR Generalist
Location: [Ontario, Canada] – Hybrid/Remote Options Available
Reports To: Head of Finance
About Us
Acorn Biolabs is an innovative biotechnology company dedicated to personalized regenerative medicine, With operations in both the United States and Canada, we are experiencing rapid growth and are seeking a detail-oriented, compliance-driven HR Generalist to oversee our bi-national payroll and benefits programs.
Position Overview
The HR Generalist will play a key role in supporting day-to-day HR operations in a dynamic, cross-border environment. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in HR and payroll who is looking to expand their skills in benefits, compliance, and employee relations while partnering closely with Finance to support our high-growth, mission-driven culture.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Management
- Process bi-weekly payrolls for employees in both Canada and the US, ensuring accuracy and timelines.
- Maintain and reconcile payroll records, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and bonuses.
- Manage payroll funding, tax filings, and remittances in compliance with CRA, IRS, and applicable state/provincial agencies.
- Oversee year-end processes including T4s, W-2s, and other required filings.
- Support benefits administration including enrollments, changes, and employee communications.
Benefits Administration
- Administer group benefits plans for US and Canadian employees including enrollments, changes, and employee communications for health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
- Coordinate annual benefits renewals, open enrollment, and employee communications.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits inquiries and problem resolution.
- Partner with brokers and vendors to optimize plan design and cost-effectiveness.
Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure payroll and benefits processes comply with all relevant laws and regulations in both countries.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment standards, tax laws, and benefits regulations.
- Prepare payroll and benefits reports for Finance, HR, and leadership teams.
- Support internal and external audits.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Manage payroll/HRIS systems (Rippling) for both US and Canada.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase data accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent experience with a focus on Payroll and Benefits.
- 2+ years of payroll and benefits administration experience, with at least 1 year handling both Canadian and US multi-state payroll.
- HR Compliance: Well-versed in respective Employment legislation, and other relevant regulations (Health and Safety, Pay Equity, Accessibility Act, Worker’s Compensation, etc).
- Knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and benefits compliance in both countries.
- Experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or high-growth technology environment preferred.
- Proficiency with payroll software and HRIS systems (Rippling) and Microsoft Office Suite. Payroll implementation is an asset.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
- Excellent communication skills and customer service mindset.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to contribute to the leading edge of personalized regenerative medicine.
- Ability to build and establish HR department as a key resource and source of strength within the organization.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Employee equity grants.
- Collaborative and mission-driven culture.
- Work in a dynamic, cross-border environment with exposure to both US and Canadian employment practices.
Acorn is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and provide accommodation and support to persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.
