Pension & Benefits Analyst

sait.ca; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Calgary is seeking a Payroll, Pension & Benefits Analyst. This role involves ensuring payroll accuracy, collaborating with various partners, and supporting audits. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll and benefits administration, with excellent analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll, pension, benefits administration.
• Experience in financial accounting and payroll regulations.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile payroll accounts and statutory deductions.
• Prepare payroll, pension, and benefit-related journal entries.
• Act as the main point of contact for pension and benefit inquiries.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Collaboration

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree in human resources

Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification

Tools

HRIS systems

Excel

Job description

The Finance department is seeking a dedicated Payroll, Pension & Benefits Analyst to join our team. Reporting to the Manager, Payroll, you will ensure the accuracy of payroll, pension, group savings, and benefits accounts. This role involves collaboration with various internal and external partners, including Finance, Total Rewards, Alberta Pension Services (APS), and other benefit providers.

The Role

1. Reconcile payroll accounts and statutory deductions (CPP, EI, income tax).
2. Assist with calendar and year-end activities, including balancing and T4 / T4A reporting.
3. Support internal and external payroll and pension audits.
4. Provide backup for semi-monthly payroll processing.
5. Perform financial reconciliations of defined benefit and group savings programs.
6. Reconcile semi-monthly pension contributions; prepare and submit remittances.
7. Reconcile benefit payroll deductions, premiums, and vendor invoices.
8. Collaborate with Total Rewards on pension-related changes, processes, and audits.
9. Prepare payroll, pension, and benefit-related journal entries, working papers, and reconcile general ledger accounts.
10. Prepare and submit the annual WCB return.
11. Stay updated on pension plans, payroll legislation, and collective agreements.
12. Act as the main point of contact for pension and benefit deduction inquiries.
13. Prepare detailed reports and present findings to management.
14. Identify and implement process improvements.
15. Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external partners.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

1. Post-secondary diploma or degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field.
2. Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification.
3. Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll, pension, benefits administration, or consulting.
4. Experience in financial accounting.
5. Knowledge of payroll and pension regulations and laws.
6. Experience with continuous improvement or project management initiatives is preferred.
7. Strong written and presentation skills.
8. Ability to manage priorities independently.
9. Proficiency with HRIS systems, preferably Banner.
10. Proficiency with LAPP & APS Portal is an asset.
11. Advanced Excel skills (designing spreadsheets, creating macros, key functions).
12. Critical thinker with the ability to evaluate and interpret data.
13. Problem solver who seeks opportunities for improvement.
14. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
15. Effective communication and collaboration abilities.