Payroll & Benefits Specialist

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

PAYROLL:
• Preparation and administration of the Canadian & US payroll for all company employees for a remote workforce, while auditing payroll processing reports for accuracy
• Ensure that all employees are paid accurately and in a timely fashion while complying with all State laws and requirements
• Prepare payroll related forms, such as records of employment, income tax forms, and any applicable remittances
• Answer inquiries arising from questions about payroll and benefits
• Collaborate with the HR department to ensure pay and personnel records are accurate and up to date
• Assist in preparing the international payrolls
• Maintain employee records in payroll/HRIS system
• Prepare the international payroll as required
• Prepare Payroll Journal Entries for finance for Canada, US, and international payrolls
• Other payroll and /or financial duties as assigned
BENEFITS:
• Administer employee benefit programs including enrollments and terminations, & updates; for Canada & U.S.
• Plans, conducts, and reports results of audits to ensure all enrollments are accurate and that dependent information is correct for each employee
• Works closely with payroll manager for quarterly and year end audits/reconciliation’s (payroll, Workers Comp, 401k, etc.).
• Addresses benefit inquiries to ensure timely and accurate resolutions. Maintains contact with employees to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.
• Prepare benefit Journal entries for finance
OTHER:
• Assisting with payroll related audits
• Assisting with projects, which may include system implementations, system integration, and any other project work assigned by the manager

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Minimum 2 years of work experience in payroll functions – multi-State
• Solid understanding of U.S. benefit plans
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. payroll taxes
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) by American Payroll Association would be an asset
• Certified Payroll Practitioner (PCP) by the Canadian Payroll Association would be an asset
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel (v-lookups/pivot tables)
• Knowledge of UKG/UltiPro would be an asset
• Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information in an ethical and professional manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to carry high-level, professional conversations with cross-functional departments and executives
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills