HR Specialist, Payroll & Benefits

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Benefits & Payroll Specialist to join our growing Talent & Culture team. You’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with data, brings strong organizational skills, and is passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience. With a strong understanding of payroll, benefits administration, and HR operations, you’ll play a key role in supporting employees throughout every stage of their journey while helping evolve and improve our processes as we continue to grow. 

What You’ll Be Doing:

Payroll Administration:

• Manage and coordinate end-to-end payroll processing using the organization's HRIS, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payroll delivery.
• Review and validate payroll inputs, including employee changes, earnings, deductions, and taxable benefits.
• Process employee lifecycle updates including new hires, promotions, salary changes, leaves of absence, and terminations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external payroll providers to resolve payroll inquiries and discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support payroll audits and year-end activities.
• Stay informed on payroll legislation, tax requirements, and employment standards to ensure ongoing compliance. 

Benefits Administration:

• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including enrollments, changes, terminations, and employee support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and provide guidance on available programs.
• Coordinate with benefit providers and brokers to resolve issues and enhance the employee experience.
• Support annual benefits renewals, implementation, communications, and reporting.
• Monitor benefit eligibility and maintain accurate employee records. 

Reporting & HR Analytics: 

• Own payroll, benefits, and HR reporting, including recurring and ad hoc reporting requests.
• Analyze payroll and benefits data to identify trends, discrepancies, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support HR and Finance with monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting requirements.
• Ensure data integrity across HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems through regular audits and reconciliations.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to provide meaningful insights into workforce metrics and people-related costs.
• Create and maintain process documentation, guides, and employee resources related to payroll, benefits, and HR administration. 

Other support 

HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle: 

• Prepare employment agreements, offer letters, contract amendments, promotion letters, and freelancer agreements, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain employee records and HRIS data integrity across all stages of the employee lifecycle.
• Assist with HR policy administration and ensure employment documentation aligns with company policies and legislative requirements.
• Support Talent & Culture initiatives and projects as required. 

Immigration & Work Permit Administration:

• Coordinate work permit and immigration processes for employees requiring sponsorship or work authorization.
• Partner with external immigration counsel and employees to prepare documentation and track application progress.
• Monitor work permit expiration dates and proactively coordinate renewals.
• Maintain accurate immigration records while ensuring compliance with applicable employment and immigration legislation. 

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll, benefits, and HR operational processes through automation, standardization, and continuous improvement.
• Recommend and implement process enhancements that improve efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and testing related to HRIS, payroll, and benefits platforms. 

Skills & Attributes 

• Detail-oriented and process-driven.
• Strong ownership mindset with the ability to identify issues and find solutions.
• Customer-service focused with a passion for supporting employees.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with a broader HR team.
• Curious and motivated to continuously improve processes 

Qualifications & Experience 

• 4+ years of experience in payroll, benefits administration
• Strong understanding of payroll processes and benefits administration.
• Experience working with payroll and HRIS systems. Rise People would be a plus.  
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to support employees with empathy and professionalism.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience working with Canadian payroll and benefits is required; US and global payroll experience is an asset. 

Compensation for this role ranges from $75,000–$90,000 CAD depending on experience. The successful candidate is expected to be in office 3 days per week. 

Zulu Alpha Kilo is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination based on age, colour, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected class in accordance with applicable federal, provincial, and local laws. Zulu Alpha Kilo is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation during the interviewing process, please let us know.  

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy. Zulu Alpha Kilo uses artificial intelligence systems in the recruitment process to screen, assess, or select applicants but all hiring decisions are made by humans.   

We appreciate your interest in joining Zulu Alpha Kilo. When applicable, please include a link to your portfolio with your application. Although all applications are reviewed, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.