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Payoll and Benefits Specialist
The Staffing Alternative
Source: Headcount Labs · original listing ↗
Job data: Headcount Labs, ODbL 1.0. Job descriptions belong to their employers.
Posted Oct 27
About this role
Department: Human Resources Reports to: HR Manager Employment type: Full-Time Position Summary The Payroll & Benefits Specialist works in partnership with the Human Resources team and department managers to deliver accurate, timely and confidential payroll and benefits services to employees. This role serves as a subject-matter resource for payroll and benefits administration, supports employees with inquiries, liaises with external providers and helps ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies and procedures. Key Responsibilities ● Manage the full-cycle payroll process for hourly and salaried employees in Canada and the United States. ● Process payroll accurately, efficiently and in accordance with established payroll schedules. ● Enter and maintain payroll information relating to enrolments, employee changes, bonuses, commissions, terminations and new hires, following the appropriate approval processes. ● Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable privacy requirements and maintain the confidentiality and integrity of employee information. ● Administer vacation time and vacation pay in accordance with statutory requirements and internal policies. ● Prepare payroll reports and supporting information required for month-end processes. ● Administer and maintain employee benefits programs in Canada and the United States. ● Respond to employee questions about benefits eligibility, coverage, plan options and related matters in a timely and professional manner. ● Process benefits invoices, reconcile discrepancies with insurance providers, remit monthly premiums and maintain accurate records of changes, premiums, claims and costs. ● Liaise with insurance carriers to resolve issues relating to dental, extended health and other benefit claims. ● Coordinate annual benefits enrolment activities for U.S. employees, including communicating plan changes and available options during open enrolment periods. ● Maintain accurate employee benefits databases, files and records, updating information as required. ● Support new employee orientation and provide guidance on payroll and benefits processes. ● Complete year-end reconciliations and prepare applicable tax slips and forms, including T4s, T4As and W-2s. ● Produce monthly client billing statements and support employee communications and information meetings as needed. ● Maintain employee personnel files and general HR records, ensuring appropriate access, confidentiality and document retention. ● Stay current on relevant payroll, tax, employment, privacy and benefits legislation and compliance requirements. ● Research and recommend best practices and process improvements to increase accuracy and operational efficiency. ● Provide administrative support to the HR team and participate in HR projects as required. ● Follow organizational policies, procedures and applicable occupational health and safety requirements, and perform other reasonable duties as assigned. Qualifications & Experience ● Completion of a college or university program in Finance, Payroll or a related field is preferred. ● CHRP or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation in progress is an asset. ● At least four years of experience processing payroll using a third-party payroll system; experience with ADP is an asset. ● Strong working knowledge of employee benefits programs and benefits administration. ● General understanding of Canadian and U.S. payroll practices. ● Working knowledge of payroll, tax requirements and employment legislation in Ontario. ● Experience with third-party payroll systems, time and attendance software, and advanced Microsoft Excel. Skills & Competencies ● Strong mathematical skills and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. ● Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion. ● Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills in English. ● Strong customer service orientation and the ability to respond effectively to employee inquiries. ● Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. ● Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence and communicate information clearly to employee groups. ● Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mindset. Work Environment & Travel ● The role is based in a regular office environment. ● Occasional travel within Ontario and to the United States may be required. Candidates should have a valid passport or be able to obtain one.