The posting
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.
