Senior Specialist: Payroll, Pension and Benefits

Senior Specialist – Payroll, Pension & Benefits

Location: Downtown Toronto, ON
Start Date: November 16, 2026
Duration: 6-month contract
Work Model: Hybrid
Compensation: $45-$50 per hour

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Specialist – Payroll, Pension & Benefits to oversee payroll operations, pension administration, employee benefits, and HR information systems (HRIS).

Reporting to the Vice President, People and Culture, this position is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with provincial and federal legislation, and effective administration of pension and benefits programs.

The successful candidate will also support compensation budgeting, HRIS management, reporting, audits, and organizational initiatives within the People and Culture department.

What You'll Do

Payroll Operations

• Lead and oversee accurate and timely payroll processing for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.

• Verify payroll transactions, including pension and benefits deductions, bonuses, leave payments, parental leave top-ups, and other payroll calculations.

• Conduct regular and year-end payroll reconciliations to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with audit requirements.

• Monitor changes in payroll legislation and implement necessary updates to policies, procedures, and systems.

• Track and manage employee leaves of absence in accordance with employment standards.

• Prepare annual vacation liability reports for submission to Finance.

• Provide management reporting on payroll issues and communicate payroll-related changes to employees.

• Respond to sensitive payroll inquiries and resolve employee concerns professionally and efficiently.

Pension Administration

• Oversee the administration and operations of the defined benefit pension plan.

• Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related inquiries involving the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS).

• Ensure pension administration complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

• Provide support for pension-related inquiries, adjustments, and reporting.

• Identify opportunities to improve pension administration processes and implement system enhancements.

Benefits Administration

• Manage the administration of employee benefits programs in accordance with established plans and policies.

• Ensure benefits administration complies with government regulations and organizational requirements.

• Oversee employee benefits enrollment and ensure accurate processing.

• Audit benefits participation, costs, invoices, payroll deductions, and premiums to identify and resolve discrepancies.

• Collaborate with Finance on benefits-related financial reporting and budgeting.

• Lead payroll and benefits budget preparation and manage related accrual processes.

HRIS, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain and support the organization's HRIS, including system updates and upgrades.

• Provide HRIS training and support to employees as required.

• Assist with annual audits by preparing and organizing supporting documentation.

• Maintain accurate electronic and paper-based employee records.

• Ensure timely preparation and distribution of year-end employee tax slips and forms.

• Prepare payroll statistics, government reporting data, and reports for senior management.

• Troubleshoot payroll and pension reporting issues.

• Support additional departmental projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in a payroll environment.

• Post-secondary degree in a business-related discipline or equivalent work experience.

• Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation, or working towards it, is considered an asset.

• Experience with ADP is considered an asset.

• Experience administering a defined benefit pension plan is considered an asset.

• Experience maintaining and supporting an HRIS is considered an asset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and other business applications.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a proactive, self-directed approach to work.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and discretion when handling sensitive matters.

• Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential information with professionalism.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

**Staffworks may use AI-enabled tools to assist with recruitment activities while maintaining recruiter involvement and respecting applicable privacy and employment regulations.**