Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Position Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team. This role is responsible for the complete administration, processing, analysis, and reconciliation of payroll and employee benefits programs for a unionized and non unionized workforce. The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, maintain compliance with applicable legislation and collective agreements, administer employee benefit programs, and provide analytical support related to payroll, benefits, and workforce reporting.

This position combines the operational responsibilities of payroll processing, benefits administration, payroll analysis, reporting, compliance monitoring, and employee support into one integrated role.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

Process and administer payroll accurately and on schedule for a unionized workforce, including regular earnings, overtime, premiums, vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, leaves of absence, and employee status changes. Validate payroll data, perform reconciliations, and resolve discrepancies to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Benefits Administration

Administer employee benefit and pension programs, including enrolments, changes, terminations, reconciliations, and employee support. Coordinate payroll and benefits activities related to leaves, disability claims, workers' compensation claims, and other employee programs.

Reporting, Analysis & Reconciliations

Prepare payroll and benefits reconciliations, reports, and analyses to support operational, financial, and regulatory requirements. Assist with budgeting, forecasting, audits, and year-end reporting activities.

Collective Agreement & Employee Support

Interpret and apply collective agreement provisions related to compensation, benefits, premiums, leave entitlements, and other payroll-related matters. Respond to inquiries from employees, management, Human Resources, and union representatives in a professional and timely manner.

Compliance & Process Improvement

Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, collective agreements, organizational policies, and payroll and benefits best practices. Participate in payroll system maintenance, testing, upgrades, and process improvement initiatives. Maintain accurate records, procedures, and documentation to support strong internal controls and audit requirements.

General

Collaborate effectively with Finance, Human Resources, operational leaders, external service providers, and other stakeholders. Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned..

Qualifications:

Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. Accounting background is considered a strong asset. 3-5 years of progressive payroll and benefits administration experience. Experience processing payroll in a unionized environment is required. Experience within Long-Term Care, healthcare, or broader public sector environments is strongly preferred. Experience administering employee benefits and pension programs.

Relevant professional certification, designation, or equivalent combination of education and experience related to payroll, benefits, accounting, finance, or human resources is considered an asset. Candidates actively pursuing professional development in a related field are encouraged to apply. Strong understanding of payroll legislation, statutory deductions, and benefit administration. Knowledge of collective agreements and unionized payroll practices. Advanced attention to detail and accuracy. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills. Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis. Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines. Excellent customer service and communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Finance, Human Resources, and operational teams.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000