Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Lee Valley; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Ottawa is looking for a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to manage payroll functions and benefits administration for Canadian and U.S. employees. This role involves ensuring compliance with payroll laws, managing full-cycle payroll, and overseeing group benefits. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of payroll regulations and excellent analytical skills. Join a diverse team that values inclusion and offers a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of Canadian and US payroll experience in a complex environment.
• Solid understanding of payroll regulations and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Administer and process full-cycle payroll for all employees.
• Manage employee enrollments and terminations from group health and retirement plans.
• Ensure accurate electronic capture of new hire data in the HRIS.

Skills

Bilingual in English and French

Analytical skills

Time management

Ethics

Education

Post-secondary education in a related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Microsoft Office

Job description

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that woodworking and gardening are not just hobbies, but are for many a lifestyle choice. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud 45-year history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. Our customer service is renowned. We pride ourselves on providing quality in all products, whether developed and manufactured internally or sourced elsewhere.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment and we strive to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

Overview

Reporting to the Manager of Human Resources, the Payroll and Benefits Specialist plays a key role in managing the company's payroll functions and benefits administration for both Canadian and U.S. employees. This role ensures compliance with payroll laws and regulations, manages full-cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees, and oversees group benefits and pension programs. The Payroll and Benefits Specialist will also contribute to the ongoing development of departmental policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Administer and process full-cycle payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timely payment in compliance with applicable laws.
• Review and audit payroll reports, ensuring all payroll data is accurate.
• Manage year-end payroll processes, including reconciliations, remittances, and issuing T4s, Relevé 1 forms, and ROEs.
• Process WSIB remittances and other statutory obligations on a monthly basis.
• Prepare and issue regular reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) and manage all year-end processing requirements.
• Conduct quarterly payroll and benefits audits to maintain data integrity.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation in compliance with statutory and audit requirements.
• Track and monitor attendance records for business units.
• Stay informed of compliance requirements and industry best practices, recommending policy or program adjustments as needed.
• Support the Vice President, People and Culture and Manager, Human Resources, in the annual compensation review process.
• Collaborate with HR to manage payroll data related to new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, and other employment-related changes.
• Address employee inquiries regarding payroll or benefits in a timely and professional manner.

Group Benefits Administration

• Administer the Company’s RSP, RPP, and 401K retirement plans, including coordinating open enrollment for Canadian and U.S. employees.
• Manage employee enrollments and terminations from group health and retirement plans.
• Partner with the VP of People and Culture, CFO, and external broker on pension filings and compliance matters.
• Distribute benefit-related materials such as employee handbooks, plan descriptions, and updates.
• Process monthly remittances for group insurance premiums.
• Resolve employee inquiries and complaints regarding benefit plans.

HRIS and Employee Records

• Ensure accurate electronic capture and documentation of new hire data in the HRIS.
• Verify that all employees are legally eligible to work in Canada and / or the U.S. and maintain proper documentation.
• Collaborate with HR and other departments to ensure personnel records and pay information are current and correct.
• Prepare bi-weekly employee status change reports and distribute to relevant departments.
• Assist the broader HR team with other duties, projects and initiatives to enhance departmental services.

Knowledge and Skills

• Post-secondary education in a related field.
• Bilingual in English and French (spoken and written).
• 2 + years of Canadian and US payroll experience in a complex environment.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, particularly ADP Workforce Now.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to prioritize and manage conflicting demands.
• High ethical standards with the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Strong sense of ethics and the ability to handle sensitive or private information with tact and discretion.
• Solid understanding of payroll regulations, legislation, and industry standards.
• Ability to perform analytical work, using detailed knowledge of procedures covering multiple payrolls which require different deduction and tax treatment.
• Experience in all year-end payroll processes, including T4s, WSIB, and other regulatory requirements.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Lee Valley, we are proud to celebrate and foster a diverse team of professionals. We take pride in nurturing an inclusive culture that empowers our people to be their authentic selves, celebrate their differences and love where they work. Our diverse community combined with our inclusive culture, is what sets us apart in the industry.

We encourage all candidates to apply for job opportunities with Lee Valley regardless of race, national origin, colour, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and family status, or disability.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please do not hesitate to contact us at careers@

How to Apply :

Please visit our careers page at

We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.