MINJobs posting: Payroll Specialist
Aug 2, 2025
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Payroll Specialist

Organization:
Strathcona County
Region:
Alberta
Application deadline:
Aug 17, 2025 before 23:30
Type:
Full Time Temporary
Category:
Human resources
Description
Join our team as a Temporary Full-Time Payroll Specialist (up to 2 years) and make a meaningful impact supporting over 2,400 employees in a dynamic, collaborative environment. As part of a team of Payroll Specialists, you will be responsible for processing full-cycle payroll for over 2400 Strathcona County employees. If you are looking for an opportunity to use your strong attention to detail and experience with both complex union and non-union payroll, and be part of a collaborative team, then this opportunity is for you!

Responsibilities:

  • Validate and process full cycle pay, review and audit payroll reports for accuracy and ensure payroll transactions are accurate, identify, resolve or escalate any discrepancies 
  • Review summary reports and conduct audits on time entry to ensure accuracy and adherence to all legislation and/or collective agreements or handbooks 
  • Validate all processed details of employee earnings to ensure accuracy of gross pay per pay period, while adhering to all Federal/Provincial legislation, employment standards, union agreements and corporate policies 
  • Validate all processed details of employee deductions to ensure accuracy of net pay per pay period, while adhering to all Federal/Provincial legislation, employment standards, union agreements and corporate policies 
  • Ensure any system changes are validated that affect employees pay 
  • Biweekly payroll audits 
  • Liaise with HR Business Advisors, Disability Management Supervisor and Departmental staff to provide clarification and guidance on policies, guidelines, and processes of the Collective Agreements, Handbooks of Policies, Benefits and government rules and regulations 
  • Provide guidance, clarity and interpretation of payroll and all related rules and regulations to department payroll contacts and employees 
  • Create all related post-payroll processing files to forward to agencies such as Source Deductions, Bank Deposits, Hours Reports, and Payroll payables  
  • Investigate any payroll discrepancies and communicate any adjustments with impacted stakeholders 
  • Perform reconciliations for WCB, Group Benefits, payroll liability reconciliations, AUPE invoicing, and all Payroll-related Payables accounts  
  • Reconcile all these accounts to ensure accuracy of payroll history, financial postings and General Ledgers 
  • Create all bi-weekly and monthly reports to process payables; balance payments and deductions and work with Finance to ensure payments are on time
  • Crosstrain with Time and Absence Specialists to ensure seamless payroll integration, support coverage during absences, and enhance understanding of time reporting processes
  •  Perform LAPP and pension reconciliations, ensuring contributions and remittances are accurate and submitted in compliance with plan requirements
Requirements

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Post-secondary certificate in a related field   
  • Completion of or currently working toward Payroll Compliance Professional designation through the National Payroll Institute
  • A minimum of 7 years related experience 
  • Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Thorough understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and continuous process improvement 
  • Work under minimal supervision on a team of 3 payroll specialists and 2 time and absence specialists to accurately process bi-weekly payrolls in a timely manner 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal and provincial legislative compliance requirements (including CRA, TAX, CPP, El), and the ability to apply that knowledge to prepare and process biweekly payroll. Strong knowledge of Oracle HCM is an asset
  • Excellent working knowledge of Excel and third-party software including CRA, ROE Web, LAPP and Internet Banking and Online Transaction Processing. 
  • The ability to create and analyze pivot tables and use Excel formulas is preferred.
  • Ability to interpret and administer related union agreements, IAFF and AUPE as well as the Classified Handbook and Library Handbook 
  • Must possess excellent analytical and multitasking skills while keeping a high priority on excellent customer service, attention to detail and adhering to tight deadlines 
  • Ability to problem solve to determine solutions 
  • Availability to work overtime during payroll processing weeks may be required
  • Excellent attention to detail while managing strict confidentiality in all areas of the job 
  • Possess a proactive nature in daily tasks 
  • Knowledge of pension plan administration, preferably LAPP or other defined benefit pension plans
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse environment and embrace change  
Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,282.40 - $80,334.80

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation. 

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
    • Extended health and dental coverage 
    • Health and wellness spending account 
    • Life and disability insurance
    • Retirement and pension programs 
    • Earned day off program
    • Employee and family assistance program
  • Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
  • Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted