Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Our client, a well-established organization in the education sector, is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join their team in Halifax on a contract basis to start, with strong potential to become permanent. This is a critical role within the organization, responsible for taking ownership of a complex and evolving payroll function that is currently undergoing modernization.

This is a highly operational role suited to someone comfortable and confident working in a fast-paced, manual environment, with significant opportunity to make an immediate impact as the organization moves toward future systems improvements, including an upcoming ERP implementation.
Key Responsibilities for the Job:

• Process and administer end-to-end payroll for two payroll groups:
  • Monthly salaried payroll (approx. 120)
  • Bi-weekly payroll for casual staff and student employees (headcount fluctuates, increasing seasonally)
• Manage payroll input from paper timesheets and manual tracking systems
• Maintain and update master payroll spreadsheet including salaries, benefits, and deductions
• Process employee onboarding and offboarding from a payroll and benefits perspective
• Administer employee benefits including medical and pension enrollment
• Manage statutory remittances (EI, CPP, WCB)
• Process deductions such as bus passes and occasional one-off payments
• Respond to and action payroll-related requests via shared payroll inbox (e.g., leave changes, onboarding, vacation adjustments)
• Support reconciliation and student-related accounts receivable tasks as needed
• Work closely with HR and Finance to ensure accuracy and consistency of employee data
• Contribute to improving payroll processes and supporting future system upgrades (ERP transition in planning stages)

• Proven experience in payroll administration, ideally in a complex or multi-payroll environment
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, legislation, and statutory remittances (EI, CPP, WCB)
• PCP designation considered an asset but not required
• Experience with Sage is an asset
• Prior experience in education, public sector, or similar environments considered an asset
• Experience administering employee benefits and enrollment processes (Blue Cross and pension plans preferred)
• Comfortable working in a manual, paper-based, and spreadsheet-driven environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal documentation or formalized processes
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fluctuating environment
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to support HR and Finance functions as needed

If interested in this opportunity, please apply online by clicking the Apply Now button.

To learn more about similar opportunities, the local job market, or to discuss your career interests, please contact Josephine Dalrymple, Recruitment Consultant at josephine@administrativestaffing.ca.

Administrative Staffing is a specialist recruitment company focusing exclusively on the placement of administrative professionals. We offer candidates a wide range of job opportunities, current knowledge of the employment market, and a commitment to ensuring best “fit” with every placement. To view more job opportunities or for more information on Administrative Staffing please visit us at www.administrativestaffing.ca.

Administrative Staffing is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We believe that it is essential for workforces to reflect the communities they serve, where everyone feels included and valued. We promote environments that value and respect all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, or any other personal characteristic.

We encourage applications from underrepresented groups including African Canadians, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Racially Visible Persons, Women, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.
Self-identification is encouraged but not required during the application process and accommodations can be requested during the recruitment process. If accommodations are needed during the assessment process, such as an interview or testing, please let us know and we will make arrangements to meet your needs.