Payroll and Benefits Specialist​/Spécialiste de la paie et des avantages sociaux

Universities Canada is the voice of Canadian universities, at home and abroad. We are a membership organization providing universities with a unified voice for higher education, research and innovation. Universities Canada advances the mission of our member institutions to transform lives, strengthen communities and find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world.

As the Payroll and Benefits Specialist, you will provide payroll and benefits services to Universities Canada’s employees and more than 28 outside organization payroll clients by resolving payroll, benefits, leave and statistical reports and maintaining accurate information on the payroll management system.

We’re looking for a team player, someone who is analytical and methodical and that can still flex your creative muscles while always being happy to roll up your sleeves and pitch in where help is needed. You will not be in this alone; you will draw on the strengths and expertise of our team as well as others throughout the organization who have contributed to the ongoing success as the voice for Canadian universities.

• Process payroll changes related to new hires, compensation, terminations, group insurance and retirement plan.
• Collect, review and maintain complete and accurate payroll documentation.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, reconcile information and document corrections or escalations.
• Prepare and verify payroll remittances and reconciliations.
• Manage a portfolio of payroll and benefits client relationships.
• Understand, interpret and apply client organizational policies, client-specific requirements, employment terms and payroll legislation to standard and non-standard payroll transactions;
• Maintain leave records and balances, review leave reports and correct discrepancies.
• Prepare Records of Employment, year-end information, statutory filings, and their supporting documentation.
• Manage the high-volume payroll and benefits mailbox and respond to inquiries from employees, managers, and external client contacts, escalating complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.
• Provide back-up support to the Manager, Payroll and Benefits during absences.

If you are right for this opportunity, you will possess the education and experience listed below:

• College degree in a related field and three years of prior relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Payroll compliance practitioner certification (PCP).
• Bilingualism is a strong asset, including English writing skills and verbal communication skills in both official languages.
• Knowledge of payroll process and employment regulations.
• Some understanding of benefit administration processes.
• Knowledge of a payroll management system such as Dayforce.
• Prior experience working in a not-for-profit organization, an asset.

• You are a self starter, take initiative and have a ‘can do’ attitude.
• You have a high degree of tact and strong interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Strong financial and accounting skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive situations and maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong administrative, organizational and analytical skills.

The position is based in Ottawa. Universities Canada has adopted a hybrid work model where employees are expected to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

The hiring rate for this position is $68,685 to $85,857 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $94,443. To ensure fair and equitable pay at Universities Canada, placement on the salary range will be based on years of experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the…