Payroll & Benefits Specialist

CoolIT Systems • Calgary, AB

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a member of the Employee Services Team, the Employee Services & Payroll Specialist serves as frontline support for employee lifecycle events, payroll, benefits, and general inquiries within a centralized service model. Acting as the first point of contact via phone and email, this role operates in a high-volume, detail-driven environment. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes ownership of their responsibilities and is committed to continuous learning and professional growth.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education (diploma or degree) in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of job-related experience in payroll and/or employee services
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and U.S. payroll practices
• Strong understanding of federal, provincial, state, and local payroll and employment legislation
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office tools
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience supporting employees across multiple countries
• Process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

• Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation (completed or in progress)
• Experience working with UKG (or similar HRIS/payroll systems)

Responsibilities

• Implement, maintain, and review payroll processes to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery, including salaries, benefits, taxes, and other statutory deductions
• Process payroll for Canadian and U.S. salaried and hourly employees
• Support global payroll and benefits activities, as required
• Review and process employee deductions, including federal, state/provincial, and local taxes, benefits, retirement plans, and garnishments
• Verify time and attendance data for accuracy prior to payroll processing
• Process year-end payroll reconciliations, including balancing and reporting
• Act as a first point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely responses
• Administer employee benefits transactions including health, dental, HSA, and related programs
• Manage and administer employee leaves, including short-term and long-term disability (STD & LTD)
• Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and local payroll legislation, employment standards, and best practices
• Maintain electronic personnel files in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Investigate issues, review processes, and recommend enhancements to improve payroll and employee services efficiency
• Prepare payroll-related reports and billings on an ongoing basis
• Manage internal and external audit requests
• Collaborate with the HR team to identify gaps in internal processes, documentation, and procedures, and recommend improvements

Benefits

• Vacation and flex days, and paid company-wide shutdown during the holiday season.
• Comprehensive benefits including Dental, Drugs, Optical, Paramedical and Health Spending. These costs are covered by CoolIT and are enacted from your first day.
• Dress for your day – in a casual yet professional environment.
• Retention rewards like “The Big Coffee Break” that reward tenure with additional vacation time and a monetary bonus.
• Company-funded RRSP contributions to support your long-term financial goals.

What This Job Offers

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