Payroll & People Operations Specialist

Distress Centre Calgary • Calgary, AB

3d • CA$65,000 - CA$70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Full-Time, permanent position starting on or about October 16, 2026. The Payroll & People Operations Specialist reports to the Director, People and Culture. This role is responsible for furthering the strategic goals of the People & Culture function by ensuring that core pay and benefits processes are running efficiently, accurately and promptly. This position is responsible for payroll, benefits administration (including disability management), onboarding, offboarding, and HR policy implementation.

Requirements

• Certification as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner is a requirement of the role.
• 3 – 5 years in a similar position
• Experience in end-to-end payroll processes and benefit administration.
• Strong skills working with numbers and payroll calculations
• Working knowledge of Alberta Employment Standards and the ability to apply relevant requirements to routine payroll and HR administration matters, while recognizing when more complex matters require escalation.
• Working knowledge of Human Rights legislation
• Confidentiality and tact and the ability to handle sensitive information and keep it confidential
• Proven interpersonal and cultural competency skills to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences
• Advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Office Excel and intermediate proficiency in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Keen attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy.
• As a condition of employment, all successful candidates are required to complete and maintain a Police Information Check. For those in direct service user-facing roles, a Vulnerable Sector Search is also required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is an asset.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, Payworks or PGI is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage the organization's internal payroll administration process, working closely with the external payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Prepare and submit payroll information and changes to the payroll provider in accordance with established deadlines and processes.
• Maintain accurate records of payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, deductions, leave, benefits, and other employee changes.
• Review payroll information and reports for accuracy and follow up on discrepancies or issues with the payroll provider, employees, and leaders as required.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll information in the HRIS, including tax information, direct deposit details, compensation, deductions, and other relevant employee data.
• Support year-end payroll activities and provide required employee information and documentation.
• Assist supervisors and employees with timesheet and payroll-related questions, including questions related to coding and time entry in the HRIS.
• Review timesheet information and identify potential discrepancies or issues requiring follow-up.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay and payroll processes and coordinate with the payroll provider when additional support is required.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of applicable Alberta employment standards as they relate to payroll and employee administration.
• Set up new employees and ensure current employee information is updated as required.
• Assist employees navigating their benefits by proactively providing information and answering any inquiries.
• Work with the benefits providers to ensure that employees are informed of their benefits coverages and how to access them.
• Work with disability/disability management providers to ensure both employees and leaders are well supported during this process.
• Prepare Employment Agreements and offer letters.
• Set up employee files and ensure that all mandatory requirements are met and documents have been received.
• Communicate with new hires regarding essential information about their employee experience including navigating the HRIS, accessing benefits, and other organizational resources.
• Maintain employee files and follow up on reminders for outstanding documents.
• Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of employee data in the HRIS.
• Respond to inquiries from employees and supervisors regarding areas related to People & Culture.
• Document and maintain process and procedure information.
• Assist with special projects as needed.

Benefits

• Starting salary from $65,000 to $70,000
• Generous Vacation Entitlement
• RRSP matching and Health Spending Account
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Access to on-site gym (999 site) at no cost
• Paid development days and a staff development fund
• A supportive, mission-driven workplace where you can grow, take on new challenges, and collaborate with colleagues that value integrity, hard work, and making a meaningful community impact

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed