Payroll & People Operations Specialist

Payroll & People Operations Specialist

This is a Full-Time, permanent position starting on or about October 16, 2026

Work location:

On-site at Distress Centre Calgary (999 8 St SW, Suite 500).

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9am-5pm , with occasional evenings or weekends as required.

• Starting salary from $65,000 to $70,000
• Generous Vacation Entitlement
• RRSP matching and Health Spending Account
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Access to on-site gym (999 site) at no cost
• Paid development days and a staff development fund
• A supportive, mission-driven workplace where you can grow, take on new challenges, and collaborate with colleagues that value integrity, hard work, and making a meaningful community impact

For over 50 years, Distress Centre has served Calgary and Southern Alberta by providing 24-hour crisis support, information, and resources at no cost. Distress Centre does not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.

We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace where employees are valued, experience a sense of belonging, and are confident being their most authentic selves. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and members of equity-deserving groups. We value all the ways that our community is diverse – in identity, experience and perspective.

The Payroll & People Operations Specialist reports to the Director, People and Culture. This role is responsible for furthering the strategic goals of the People & Culture function by ensuring that core pay and benefits processes are running efficiently, accurately and promptly. This position is responsible for payroll, benefits administration (including disability management), onboarding, offboarding, and HR policy implementation.

This list highlights core responsibilities and is not exhaustive. Additional related duties may arise over time and will be discussed and supported by your supervisor.

• Manage the organization's internal payroll administration process, working closely with the external payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Prepare and submit payroll information and changes to the payroll provider in accordance with established deadlines and processes.
• Maintain accurate records of payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, deductions, leave, benefits, and other employee changes.
• Review payroll information and reports for accuracy and follow up on discrepancies or issues with the payroll provider, employees, and leaders as required.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll information in the HRIS, including tax information, direct deposit details, compensation, deductions, and other relevant employee data.
• Support year-end payroll activities and provide required employee information and documentation.
• Assist supervisors and employees with timesheet and payroll-related questions, including questions related to coding and time entry in the HRIS.
• Review timesheet information and identify potential discrepancies or issues requiring follow-up.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay and payroll processes and coordinate with the payroll provider when additional support is required.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of applicable Alberta employment standards as they relate to payroll and employee administration.

• Set up new employees and ensure current employee information is updated as required.
• Assist employees navigating their benefits by proactively providing information and answering any inquiries.
• Work with the benefits providers to ensure that employees are informed of their benefits coverages and how to access them.
• Work with disability/disability management providers to ensure both employees and leaders are well supported during this process.

• Prepare Employment Agreements and offer letters.
• Set up employee files and ensure that all mandatory requirements are met and documents have been received.
• Communicate with new hires regarding essential information about their employee…