Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Position Overview    

We are seeking an experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist to play a hands-on role in the administration, processing, and continuous improvement of both payroll and employee benefits programs. This position is responsible for the accurate and timely delivery of multi-provincial payroll as well as day-to-day benefits and retirement plan administration for approximately 900 employees.

This is an existing vacancy.

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in both payroll processing and benefits administration, has a strong understanding of applicable legislation and plan practices, and is highly detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, analytical, and customer service skills. The ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Duties and Responsibilities    
•    Process multi-provincial payroll (including Quebec), changes, and adjustments for 900+ employees (including hourly, salaried, and commission-based employees).
•    Responsible for full-cycle payroll processing and transmission, including ensuring payroll remittances and deductions are accurately compiled (e.g., salaries, benefits, loans, board member fees, severance payments, garnishments, deductions, taxes, and third-party payments).
•    Ensure new hires, transfers, leaves of absence, and terminations are accurately reflected in payroll and benefits systems.
•    Ensure data integrity, accuracy of information, and reconciliation of data across payroll, HRIS, benefits, retirement, and share purchase plan systems.
•    Prepare monthly and ad hoc reconciliations of payroll- and benefits-related information.
•    Prepare statutory reporting according to legislative requirements (e.g., WSIB, EHT, Revenu Québec, and other applicable reporting).
•    Ensure the operational effectiveness of payroll and benefits administration processes.
•    Administer employee benefit and retirement programs, including enrollments, plan changes, terminations, beneficiary updates, evidence of insurability requirements, disability-related transactions, and employee communications.
•    Serve as a primary contact for employees, managers, benefits carriers, retirement plan providers, and other third-party vendors regarding payroll and benefits matters.
•    Coordinate benefits and retirement plan enrollments, changes, and terminations with external providers and ensure timely processing.
•    Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and retirement plan reports, investigate discrepancies, and coordinate corrections with vendors and internal stakeholders as required.
•    Support annual benefits renewals, employee enrollment campaigns, plan communications, and implementation of contribution or plan design changes.
•    Create and submit Records of Employment (ROEs) to Service Canada.
•    Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, retirement programs, leaves, deductions, and related processes.
•    Track payroll and benefits processes, conduct audits in accordance with annual audit schedules, run reports, analyze data, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
•    Prepare calculations, reports, and surveys required by Statistics Canada and other regulatory or legislative bodies.
•    Support compliance with payroll, pension, benefits, privacy, and employment legislation.
•    Assist with year-end payroll activities, including reconciliations, T4s, RL-1s, T2200s, and other year-end reporting requirements.
•    Provide backup coverage and support cross-training initiatives within the team.
•    Support HR and Total Rewards projects and initiatives as required.

Qualifications    

•    5 years of progressive experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
•    Experience processing multi-provincial payroll, including Quebec payroll.
•    Demonstrated experience processing commission-based compensation.
•    Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, statutory deductions, remittances, taxable benefits, leaves of absence, and year-end reporting requirements.
•    Strong understanding of group benefits and retirement programs, including employee and employer contributions, plan administration, and carrier/vendor relationships.
•    Hands-on experience administering group benefits and retirement savings plans, including enrollments, terminations, billing reconciliations, employee communications, and vendor coordination.
•    Experience working directly with benefits carriers, retirement plan providers, and third-party administrators.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to explain payroll, benefits, and retirement plan concepts to employees and managers in a professional and customer-focused manner.
•    Strong analytical, reconciliation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
•    Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
•    Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle highly confidential information.
•    Strong technical proficiency, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
•    Previous experience with Ceridian Dayforce is considered a strong asset.
•    CEBS designation, or progress toward designation, is considered an asset.
•    PCP designation, or progress toward designation, is considered an asset.
•    Wealth management industry experience is considered an asset.
    

The expected annualized base salary range for this role is $80,000-$90,000.The actual salary offered will take into consideration a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the individual’s skill, experience, education and training, and the consideration of internal equity. Richardson offers a competitive total rewards package in addition to the base pay, which includes a performance-based incentive plan, comprehensive health & dental benefits, a group RRSP matching plan and paid time off.