Payroll and Benefits Specialist

De Lacy Executive Recruitment North America; Canada; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a Payroll and Benefits Specialist responsible for managing payroll for both salaried and hourly employees, along with pension and benefits administration. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in payroll functions and a proven ability to work with HRIS systems. Key responsibilities include payroll processing, HRIS maintenance, and ensuring compliance with regulations. A commitment to service excellence and strong organizational skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience in payroll/benefits administration.
• PLP certification preferred, PCP certification required.
• Demonstrated computer skills and service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for 150 salaried and 1300 hourly employees.
• Ensure payroll adherence to legislative requirements.
• Manage pension enrollment and benefits billing.

Skills

Organizational skills

Proactive thinking

Attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal skills

Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)

Education

PCP certification

PLP certification or equivalent

Tools

HRIS / payroll / time and attendance system experience

Dayforce experience

Insurance carrier portals

Job description

Our client is searching for a Payroll and Benefits Specialist . This position is responsible for processing a weekly payroll for approximately 150 salaried positions and supervising the administration of payroll for 1300 hourly employees. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is also responsible for the development and maintenance of the payroll and Workforce Management (WFM) modules within the Human Capital Management system (HCM), and administration and reporting of the pension and benefits programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES : Payroll

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for hourly and salaried groups
• Ensure pay policies and processes adhere to legislative requirements
• Maintain up to date and accurate electronic records and filing systems
• Enter all new hire information, changes and terminations for salaried employees
• Provide payroll reports as required and requested
• Input and track request for garnishments made by the appropriate authorities ensuring that the correct amounts are deducted and remitted to those authorities on an as required basis
• Track and provide payment amounts for required remittances
• Communicate as appropriate with tax authorities regarding requests for information pertaining to current and past employees
• Prepare employee letters to confirm employment and respond to internal and external payroll related requests for information
• Complete records of employment within seven (7) days of earnings interruptions
• Balance and issue T4s on an annual basis ensuring accuracy before printing
• Complete all year end reconciliations, including the annual WSIB and EHT filings
• Complete annual vacation pay allocation and payout process
• Point of contact for salaried payroll questions and hourly complex questions

HRIS System

• Maintain HRIS and Time and Attendance System
• Train and support users of the HRIS and Time and Attendance System
• Investigate and implement system improvements
• Maintain and update backend policies and security

Pension

• Resolve issues with weekly file feeds to insurance carrier
• Prepare and manage pension enrollment process
• Prepare Form 7, Annual Returns
• Organize information sessions and ensure completion of paperwork for new enrollments
• Ensure adherence to legislative requirements
• Update Dayforce with all changes
• Understand how Dayforce feeds into the benefits providers system
• Manage monthly benefits billing and send to finance for processing
• Create and distribute reports as required
• Ensure adherence to legislative requirements

Personal Development

• Attend company required training
• Remain current with technical knowledge in areas of responsibility
• Attend regular 1 : 1 coaching / update sessions

DESIRED PROFILE :

• 5 years experience in a Payroll / Benefits administration position
• PLP certification or equivalent is preferred, PCP certification is required
• Organizational skills, proactive thinking, and attention to detail
• HRIS / payroll / time and attendance system experience, Dayforce experience is preferred with backend knowledge
• Experience with insurance carrier portals
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on professionalism and confidentiality
• Demonstrated computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Service excellence, displays personal ownership and a sense of urgency over any issues or complaints that arise from the customer experience
• Maintains an outstanding customer experience despite time pressures or obstacles
• Accountability and initiative, avoids excuses or blaming others when it comes to keeping promises
• Takes initiative and demonstrates a “do whatever it takes” work ethic to get the work done
• Communicates with clarity, listens attentively and probes to clearly understand