Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Ocean Wise

1d•$64,000 - $71,500•Remote

About The Position

As the Payroll & Benefits Specialist, you will be responsible for the timely and effective processing of all payroll (salaried and hourly) and benefits related tasks and transactions. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will participate as an active member of the Finance Team by leading the communication of Ocean Wise’s benefits plans, and payroll and benefits related policies and procedures. You will work closely with the Human Resources team with respect to sharing of employee information, hires, departures, status changes, etc. You are an organized, detail-oriented payroll and benefits professional with an interest in conservation and sustainability. You have a strong foundation in payroll processing, reconciliation, and reporting, bringing both precision and accountability to every cycle. You are a trusted partner across HR and Finance, known for your discretion, analytical mindset and proactive approach to strengthen systems and the overall employee experience.

Requirements

Extensive experience in payroll processing and benefits administration.
Demonstrated experience in payroll and benefit reconciliation.
Valid Canadian Payroll Association certification required.
Intermediate to advanced level in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Demonstrated analytical, organizational and problem solving skills.
Detail oriented and accurate in execution, ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop strong working relationships at all levels within an organization.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work with a high-degree of discretion and tact, ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Nice To Haves

Background in accounting.
Post-secondary education in Business, Human Resources Management or related discipline.
Experience with UltiPro (UKG)

Responsibilities

Preparing and processing accurate bi-weekly payroll information, including review of timesheets for accuracy with vacation, overtime and statutory holiday schedules
Preparing related accounting journal entries and reconciling payroll related general ledger accounts in a timely and accurate manner
Preparing all (bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual) payroll related remittances reports and entries (e.g. CRA remittances, RRSP, Pension, CSB, etc)
Ensuring schedules and/or tables in system are updated in accordance with any legislation, policies, rate changes, etc, communicating and liaising with system service provider if required for support
Preparing Records of Employment for terminated, reduced hours or leave of absence purposes
Updating and maintaining the HRIS system with any new hires, employee changes, leaves, terminations, etc. to ensure accurate and current reporting, including reviewing and processing approved changes to salaries, benefits eligibility/costs and employment status
Ensuring compliance with all provincial and federal regulations as it pertains to statutory tax deductions and Work Safe BC, Ontario and other provinces.
Ensuring enrollment, terminations and updates occur regularly to group benefits programs including MSP, Group Health & Group RRSP plans
Sending monthly active employee lists to the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider
Preparing monthly reconciliation reports for group benefits programs, identifying discrepancies and correcting any gaps or missing deductions
Preparing and processing annual rate changes to benefits and associated impacts to deductions, etc.
Proactively communicating with employees on STD, LTD, Maternity Leave or other leaves with respect to the impact on their benefits and how to continue contributions if they remain active on the plans
Assisting employees with any claim issues and questions if escalation is required beyond GroupHealth call centre
Coordinating benefits orientation with the HR team through new employee orientation and/or follow up meetings if required following distribution of enrollment instructions for benefits eligible employees
Participating in benefits initiatives in the areas of process development, improvements, renewals, etc.
Ensuring HR processes and procedures are adhered to as they relate to payroll & benefits
Ensuring employee records are accurate, confidential and reported on in a timely manner
Updating and maintaining the The Reef intranet as a reliable resource for both managers and employees on payroll, benefit eligibility and benefit programs; directing them to The Reef when questions arise
Ensuring key payroll metrics are captured and reported on in a regular and timely manner. Assisting with the financial management of payroll & benefits by identifying trends and/or irregularities in cost and/or usage of various programs and recommending actions to address
Researches best practices and Payroll & Benefits trends and provides recommendations to continuously improve
Assists with the development and delivery of goals, objectives, projects and initiatives in the Finance plan
Delivering lunch & learn session to employees on payroll & benefits related topics
Other Finance Administration support as required

Benefits

A remote-first working environment with the option to work in person at co-working spaces as allotted.
A base salary, $64,000 - 71,500, in line with market data for not-for-profit organizations
Benefits coverage on a premium cost-shared basis, including
Extended health and dental coverage
Vision coverage
$300 Health spending account
Group term and supplemental life insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
RRSP matching of up to 6% after one year of service
15 paid vacation days to start
10 paid sick days,
2 wellness days
12 paid Statutory and General Holidays each calendar year
An annual all-staff retreat to allow in-person connections and team building
Professional development opportunities
The opportunity to be part of a team that’s helping to save the ocean!