Pension Benefit Specialist

Government of PEI; Charlottetown; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of PEI seeks a Pension Benefit Specialist to join the Pensions & Benefits Section within the Pensions & Capital Management Division. You will counsel members on pension options, guide them through life events, and manage sensitive financial information with confidentiality.

You will also support the Operations Unit by providing continuity of service and handling specialized calculations and data validation to ensure compliant pension administration across multiple plans.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related area or equivalent
• Experience in benefit administration is required
• Exposure to regulated multi-union environments is advantageous
• Progress toward or holding PPAC/CEBS/RPA (or commitment to obtain within 4 years)
• Strong numerical and data handling skills for pension calculations
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly to diverse audiences
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Responsibilities

• Provide pension counselling on benefits, options, and life events
• Explain benefit calculations, reductions, CPP integration and related rules
• Generate estimates, validate data, and respond to inquiries and disputes
• Review retirement, termination, and transfer records for accuracy and compliance
• Prepare specialized calculations (service transfers, spousal divisions, tax adjustments) and maintain audit-ready documentation

Skills

Benefit administration

Regulatory environment

Mathematical calculations

Microsoft Office proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate degree in a related area

Equivalencies accepted

Professional designation (PPAC, CEBS, RPA) or willingness to obtain within 4 years

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

PeopleSoft

Ariel

Job description

JOB ID: 173620

The Department of Finance and Affordability is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

The Department of Finance and Affordability is seeking a Pension Benefit Specialist to join the Pensions & Benefits Section within the Pensions & Capital Management Division. This team provides day-to-day pension administration services to more than 20,000 members across multiple registered and non-registered pension plans sponsored by the Province of Prince Edward Island.

Reporting to the Team Lead, Pension Administration Services & Communication, this position provides pension counselling by explaining benefits clearly, guiding members on options, applying pension rules to individual situations, answering questions during life events, and managing sensitive personal and financial information with professionalism and confidentiality.

The Pension Benefit Specialist will also support the Operations Unit by providing a continuity of service in the absence of the Team Lead, Pension Administration Services & Communication, as required.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Guide members on how career changes, retirement timing, and personal events affect pension benefits, cash flow, and long-term financial outcomes.
• Explain benefit options, calculations, and features (e.g., reductions, bridge benefits, CPP integration) in alignment with legislation, policies, and agreements.
• Generate accurate estimates, validate underlying data, and respond to inquiries or disputes with clarity and professionalism.
• Ensure certain pension calculations, data, and documentation are complete, accurate, and compliant with regulatory and tax requirements.
  Review member records for retirements, terminations, and transfers, resolve discrepancies, and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Prepare specialized calculations such as service transfers, spousal divisions, and tax adjustments (PA/PSPA/PAR), ensuring strong documentation and audit readiness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in a related area.
• Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
• Extensive experience in benefit administration.
• Possess an industry recognized designation (e.g. Pension Plan Administration Certificate (PPAC), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Certificate (CEBS), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA), or willing to obtain a designation within 4 years.
• Experience working in a highly regulated, multi-union, multi-employer environment.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of various retirement income sources.
• Considerable experience communicating complex financial concepts in a clear and accessible manner for diverse audiences.
• Considerable experience performing mathematical calculations and possess analytical proficiency.
• Considerable experience using Microsoft Office applications (specifically Excel, Word and Outlook).

Other Qualifications:

• Experience in leadership/management would be an asset.
• Experience in defined-benefit pension administration would be an asset.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills required to effectively interact with plan members about sensitive and confidential information, with meticulous attention to detail, often under time constraints, with empathy.
• Be organized and able to work independently and adapt to changing situations using skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Highly reliable with an excellent attendance record and strong work ethic.
• Experience in change management would be an asset.
• Experience working with customized software systems (e.g. Peoplesoft, Ariel, etc.) would be an asset.

Benefits:

• 4 weeks paid vacation annually, as per the Terms and Conditions for Excluded Employees
• Up to $2,500 annual training funds
• Employee assistance program
• Pension Plan
• Employer-paid health and dental benefits

This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.

Voted as one of Forbes' top 45 Best Employers in Canada for 2026.

The Public Service is inspired to make a positive impact and proud to shape the future of our Island Community.

Tagged as: 13102

Languages:

• English