Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Co-op • Portage la Prairie, MB

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Homestead Co-op is hiring a Payroll and Benefits Specialist to join their team. This role can be based out of either of their Administration Offices in Carman or Portage la Prairie, MB. The specialist will support different unionized groups, collaborate with a dynamic HR team, and advance the payroll and benefits practices of a diverse organization.

Requirements

• Have a post-secondary certificate in Payroll Administration or Accounting.
• Have 5+ years full-cycle payroll experience, reconciliations and reporting is required, preferably in a unionized setting.
• Have 3 years administering employee benefit programs including: enrollment, termination, coordination with providers, reconciling deductions, submitting remittances.
• Have 3 years of experience handling employee payroll and benefit inquiries.
• Are familiar with payroll and HRIS systems such as Oracle, UKG, People Forward, or similar platforms.
• Solid understanding of Canadian payroll and benefits related legislation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve payroll and benefit discrepancies on behalf of the employer while demonstrating sound independent judgement, attention to detail and accuracy in high-volume data environments.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate professionalism and protection of confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills that are customer service–oriented with a collaborative, team-focused approach that exhibits and maintains positive relationships while demonstrating Co-ops values: Integrity, Excellence and Responsibility.
• Ability to present options and recommendations related to cost of wages and benefits while planning and negotiating in the collective bargaining process.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment while managing competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
• Ability to clearly explain payroll and benefits information to employees.

Nice To Haves

• A Diploma in Accounting & Payroll or Business Administration with a focus in Finance would be considered an asset.
• Having your PCP or CPM Designation would be considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll and ensure compliance with legislation, accurate deductions, government reporting, and timely remittances.
• Investigate and resolve payroll and benefits discrepancies, manage reconciliations, journal entries, and year-end reporting (e.g., T4s, WCB), while maintaining accurate records.
• Provide payroll expertise and support, including handling terminations and ROEs, improving processes, ensuring confidentiality, and communicating updates to HR and employees.
• Be the key contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries, maintain and update employee records, coordinate with providers to ensure accurate deductions, and administer pension plan enrolment and changes in compliance with requirements.
• Deliver time and attendance training, communicate attendance issues to management, and support WCB reporting and compliance in partnership with Safety and Asset Protection teams.
• Prepare and analyze HR reports and workforce data, maintain accurate employee records, and provide wage and benefits cost estimates to support planning, negotiations, and data-driven decision-making.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• short-term incentives
• a comprehensive benefits package
• an employer-contributed pension plan
• Encouragement to take advantage of learning opportunities to grow and develop as a Team Member.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree