Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Baffinland; Oakville; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining company in Canada is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist in Oakville, ON. The role involves full-cycle payroll administration and managing employee benefits programs. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years experience in payroll, advanced Excel skills, and strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation. This position requires accuracy, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills in a dynamic work environment. Join us to contribute to a unique and sustainable mining operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years direct experience in Payroll Function.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
• High level of accuracy and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle payroll for salaried, hourly, and unionized employees.
• Ensure payroll deadlines and compliance requirements are met.
• Enroll employees in benefits and pension plans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Education

Education in Payroll, HR, Accounting, or related field

Business Administration, Payroll or Human Resources

Tools

SAP

ADP

Job description

Mission for this Position

At Baffinland, we work and live beyond the Arctic Circle, mining iron ore at our Mary River property. Located in the Qikiqtani Region on Baffin Island, Nunavut, it’s one of the world’s most captivating and seldom seen destinations and we are looking for people ready to share, build, and grow with our company. We are a unique company with a strong management team. Our leadership team has amassed specialty experience on northern mining projects from community consultation and permitting, through to operation. Our workforce brings together the modern practice of safe, sustainable mining and the enduring value of a traditional culture, which is rapidly advancing. The result is a work and community experience you won't find anywhere else.

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for full-cycle payroll administration, union payroll requirements, and employee benefits programs. This role supports accurate and compliant payroll processing, benefits enrollment, reconciliations, and reporting. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and excellent employee service.

Main Accountabilities

Payroll

• Process full-cycle payroll for salaried, hourly, and unionized employees (biweekly & semi-monthly).
• Ensure payroll deadlines, cut-offs, and compliance requirements are met.
• Process staffing changes: hires, leaves, returns, transfers, salary changes, terminations, and manual cheques.
• Review and audit time records, payroll data, and attendance for accuracy.
• Reconcile payroll accounts, resolve discrepancies, and support year-end activities.
• Process union payroll, dues, and benefits in alignment with collective agreements.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and provide guidance on pay, deductions, and policies.
• Run standard and ad hoc payroll reports for HR, Finance, and Total Rewards.

Benefits

• Enroll employees in benefits and pension plans, maintaining accurate data in internal and provider systems.
• Reconcile and audit monthly benefits invoices and remittances; resolve discrepancies.
• Support implementation of plan updates and ensure employee files are kept current.
• Respond to employee benefits inquiries on eligibility, coverage, and changes.
• Ensure integrity of benefits and Total Rewards data in SAP, ADP, and other systems.

Compliance, Reporting & Support

• Assist with GL reconciliations, journal entries, and vacation accruals.
• Prepare payroll and benefits remittances to government agencies and third-party partners.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with legislation, company policies, and collective agreements.
• Support process improvements, system enhancements, and payroll-related projects.

Main Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years direct experience in Payroll Function
• Education in Payroll, HR, Accounting, or related field—required
• Business Administration, Payroll or Human Resources—preferred
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation and compliance requirements—required
• SAP Experience - preferred
• High level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Job LocationOakville, ON, Canada