If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about driving clarity, consistency, and service excellence in total rewards - then our Payroll & Benefits Specialist role is for you!
Forbes Bros Ltd. is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist (full-time, permanent) to support our People and Culture Department. This is a hybrid role based out of our Edmonton, AB office.
The Payroll & Benefits Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the Forbes Bros. Group of Companies Canadian and U.S operations by providing advanced-level coordination, administration, and advisory support in the areas of payroll and group benefits. This position is designed as a hybrid role with dual accountability encompassing full-cycle payroll ownership for an assigned entity as well as the administration and enhancement of our group benefits and retirement plans across North America. The successful candidate will take ownership of end-to-end payroll and group benefits administration while ensuring accuracy, compliance and seamless support for employees, while driving continuous improvement in processes and systems.
Forbes Bros Ltd. has a family-oriented culture that focuses on flexibility, communication, growth & respect in the workplace. Welcome to this exciting career opportunity!
What We Offer:
- Competitive Salary
- Enrolment in Pension Plan
- Comprehensive health benefits plan
- Vacation Days and Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Hybrid work environment
- Family orientated working environment
- Opportunities for career growth and development
Key Responsibilities:
- Lives Forbes Bros. value of WE WORK SAFE & never compromising on safety in all aspects of our everyday
Payroll Administration (Primary ownership for assigned entity):
- Administer full-cycle payroll for assigned designated entity, including hourly, salaried, and unionized employees, as applicable
- Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and state-level payroll legislation, collective agreements, and internal policy
- Prepare and submit Quarterly Filings, Records of Employment (ROEs), T4s, and other year-end statutory reporting as it pertains to the entity you are assigned
- Support quarterly payroll filings, remittances, reconciliations, and audit requirements
- Respond to payroll inquiries and liaise with employees and managers regarding discrepancies, adjustments, and reporting needs
- Maintain accurate employee records and documentation within the HRIS/payroll system (Viewpoint)
- Provide backup coverage for payroll processing during team absences or vacation periods, ensuring continuity and compliance; support year-end activities including reconciliations, T4/T4A generation, and reporting
Benefits Administration (Canada & U.S.):
- Administer and coordinate all group benefit programs for Canadian and U.S. employees (e.g., health, dental, life, disability)
- Manage all benefit life cycle events (enrollment, changes, terminations, retirements, etc.)
- Liaise with benefit carriers (e.g., Manulife, Mercon, 401K provider) to resolve issues and ensure seamless service delivery
- Prepare and analyze monthly remittances and benefit billing reconciliations
- Act as a point of contact for employees regarding benefits queries and claims support
- Short- & Long-Term Disability management for US and Canada
Retirement & Pension Programs:
- Administer the Canadian pension and U.S. 401(k) plans, including enrollments, contribution remittances, and termination processing
- Ensure all plans operate in compliance with CRA, IRS, and plan governance regulations
- Coordinate with finance, third-party administrators, and vendors on plan changes and reporting requirements
Program Insight & Enhancement:
- Assist in the annual benefits renewal process, analyzing claims utilization, historical trends, and cost impact assessments
- Maintain internal documentation, SOPs, and employee-facing guides to support clarity in payroll and benefits processes
- Provide recommendations for system and process improvements related to total rewards administration
- Support HR leadership in vendor reviews, RFPs, and system integrations as required
- Perform other tasks related to this function as assigned
What We Are Looking For:
- A minimum of five (5) + years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits, is required. Preference will be given to those with experience in both Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions
- Certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) is required. CPAA or equivalent or coursework or certification in benefits administration, HR, or business, an asset.
- Experience administering benefit and retirement programs across multiple provinces/states, a strong asset
- Previous experience with an integrated payroll system is required. Experience in Viewpoint or comparable payroll systems (e.g., ADP), an asset.
- Demonstrated understanding of payroll legislation, benefit regulations, and tax compliance (Canada and U.S.).
- High degree of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail.
- execute strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to deliver complex information with clarity and empathy
- Strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to manage competing priorities, deadlines and ensuring compliance with changing regulations
Forbes Bros Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer committed to best practices in recruiting and hiring to promote diversity and equality in the workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest, however; only those candidates who meet the requirements noted will be contacted.
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