Payroll Specialist

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Financial Planning, Payroll and Business Performance, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing payroll, new hires, terminations, salary changes, reclassifications, grievance resolves and, benefit administration for union and exempt staff. This position provides advanced support to the Payroll Coordinator and serves as a resource for payroll processing, ensuring compliance with policies, collective agreements, and government regulations.

Works collaboratively as a member of the Financial Services team and closely with the Human Resources group to provide administrative support to the management team through planning, development, research and evaluation of activities and initiatives related to payroll, benefit administration and employee information.

The Successful Candidate Will Have: 

• Diploma in Business Administration, Accounting, Commerce or related field
• Member of the National Payroll Institute
• Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) certification required
• Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) certification considered an asset
• Experienced payroll practitioner (3-5 years) with payroll practices in a unionized environment or local government.
• Sound (2-3 years) experience in benefit administration
• Some (1-2 years) experience in Accounting considered an asset
• Some (1-2 years) experience in Human Resources considered an asset
• Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices and principles of preparing, calculating and processing all aspects of payroll including activities relating to hourly wages, salaries, leaves, benefit reconciliation, superannuation reporting, year-end reconciliation, as well as monthly and year-end government reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and provincial payroll regulations, including employment standards and tax legislation; benefit administration.
• Good understanding of the financial and accounting implications of payroll transactions
• Familiarity with collective agreements and their impact on payroll processing
• Advance Excel and Word skills
• Proficiency in payroll software; experience with Diamond Great Plains and Worktech/ Pearl considered an asset
• Agile mindset with a focus on continuous professional growth and collaboration.
• Ability to deal with customers (both external and internal) in a courteous and tactful manner
• Ability to apply discretion to sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work well as a member of a team and independently
• Clear Criminal Record Check

 COMPLEMENTARY ASSETS:

• Superannuation / benefits administration training
• Freedom of Information Act, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, and Privacy Act training
• Human Rights Legislation and Collective Agreements training

This is a full-time position; start date to be determined. Salary: $73,244 to $83,232 (Pay Band 2).

The Payroll Specialist will work primarily in an office setting, collaborating closely with the Finance and HR teams, City staff, union representatives, and external agencies. This role requires strict confidentiality, professionalism, and adherence to City policies and collective agreements.

Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter no later than March 23, 2025. Submit your application by clicking on the “Apply” button below. 

The City of Courtenay is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those short listed will be contacted.

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