Payroll Specialist

University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Lethbridge is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate payroll processing for over 1,800 employees. This role involves collaborating with HR and Finance, managing payroll inquiries, and maintaining compliance with regulations. Join a vibrant community and contribute to operational efficiency in a leading research institution.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive and collaborative environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of payroll experience in a complex organization.
• PCP certification or progress towards certification is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for over 1,800 employees timely and accurately.
• Serve as liaison for employee payroll inquiries.
• Reconcile payroll data prior to transmission.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Confidentiality management

Education

Diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

Tools

Payroll systems

Microsoft 365

HRIS platforms

Job description

It’s your time to shine!
Work where the world comes to create, discover and learn.
We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions. With more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, two campuses (Lethbridge and Calgary), seven faculties and schools, and more than 2,500 employees, ULethbridge is Lethbridge’s second largest employer. Faculty and staff come together to contribute, each in their own way, to establishing ULethbridge as Canada’s destination university. In 2022, Lethbridge was recognized as one of Canada’s top small cities.

About the Opportunity
Join one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and be part of a vibrant, collaborative community where innovation and excellence thrive. The University of Lethbridge is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Payroll Specialist to support our Human Resources team. This is your chance to contribute to a dynamic institution that values accuracy, integrity, and teamwork.

What You’ll Do
As a Payroll Specialist at the University of Lethbridge, you will play a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for over 1,800 employees. Reporting to the Manager of Payroll, you will be responsible for processing both semi-monthly and monthly payroll cycles, verifying timekeeping records, and ensuring all earnings and deductions are correctly applied. Your meticulous attention to detail will support the maintenance of comprehensive payroll records and the preparation of reports for management and audit purposes.

In this role, you will serve as a key liaison for employee payroll inquiries, providing clear and accurate information on pay, deductions, taxes, and related policies. You will also manage employee data throughout the employment lifecycle—from onboarding to termination—ensuring all changes in compensation are accurately reflected in the payroll system.

Collaboration is essential, and you will work closely with colleagues in Human Resources and Finance to ensure data integrity and alignment across departments. You will also be responsible for reconciling payroll data prior to transmission and validating final reports to ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and institutional regulations.

Additionally, you will contribute to year-end processes, including the preparation of T4s, T4As, and other statutory filings. Your role will also involve interpreting and applying collective agreements and internal policies, and participating in the development of operational procedures that enhance payroll efficiency and compliance.

Why Join ULethbridge?

• Be part of a leading research university with a strong sense of community.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional growth.
• Contribute to a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and innovation.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of payroll excellence at the University of Lethbridge.

The University of Lethbridge is undertaking a job classification and compensation review for Exempt Support Staff ( ESS ) positions. As such, the salary range currently assigned for this position may be adjusted as a result of this project.

Position Qualifications

Experience:
Minimum 2 years of payroll experience in a complex organization.

Education:
A diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is an asset.

Technical Skills:
Proficiency in payroll systems, Microsoft 365, and HRIS platforms.

Knowledge:
Strong understanding of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and compliance standards.

Soft Skills:
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

Certifications:
PCP (Payroll Compliance Practitioner) certification or progress toward certification is considered an asset.

Bonus:
Experience with benefits administration and familiarity with unionized environments and collective agreements.

The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $4,724.71 - $5,281.18 monthly

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $4,724.71 - $5,837.65 monthly (ESS - Grade 9)

Campus

Campus Lethbridge

Employment Group

Employment Group Exempt

Position Category

Position Category Other

Open Date

Open Date 06/26/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 07/15/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

Position End Date (if temporary) 07/15/2028

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment Equity

The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Additional Documents

The University is located on traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. We honour the Blackfoot people and their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land, as well as all Indigenous Peoples who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our University community.