Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist - Red Deer, AB

Our client, a dynamic oilfield services organization in Red Deer, AB operating across multiple provinces, is searching for a dedicated Payroll Specialist to support essential payroll and human resources functions. This role ensures accurate employee records, timely payroll processing, and seamless onboarding and offboarding experiences while collaborating with internal teams and external partners to maintain operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

As the organization has grown, the role has evolved to place a greater emphasis on payroll administration, compliance, and employee support. While industry experience is an asset, the ideal candidate will bring strong payroll expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a proven ability to manage payroll processes accurately and compliantly.

This is a 1-year temporary contract with a strong possibility of going permanent.

FT hours M – F in office at the Red Deer location.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process payroll accurately and on schedule, coordinating with internal team members and the external payroll provider ADP
• Review and validate employee timecards for accuracy and completeness prior to payroll submission.
• Manage year-end payroll processes, including preparation of T4 slips, reconciliations, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Coordinate Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and WorkSafeBC reporting and administration for Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
• Facilitate onboarding by ensuring new hires receive necessary access, documentation, and system setups.
• Assist with offboarding procedures, including coordination of final pay, completion of required documentation, and revocation of system access.
• Prepare and submit Records of Employment (ROEs) to Service Canada as required.
• Address inquiries from employees, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and Service Canada, including the administration of garnishments and other payroll-related compliance matters.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records within HR databases and systems.
• Administer employee benefits and pension plans, responding promptly and professionally to related inquiries and issues.
• Partner with internal departments, including Operations, to support employee-related processes and initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with external vendors, payroll providers, and service partners to resolve issues and maintain operational efficiency.
• Ensure payroll processes remain compliant with applicable federal and provincial legislation and company policies.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, Payroll Administration, or a related field.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation, or equivalent payroll certification, is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2–3 years of payroll processing, experience in a multi-provincial environment is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll regulations and legislation, including T4 preparation, ROEs, statutory remittances, WCB reporting, and CRA compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with year-end payroll processing, reporting, and reconciliations.
• Hands-on experience administering WCB and WorkSafeBC programs and reporting requirements.
• Experience processing garnishments, court orders, and other statutory payroll deductions.
• Strong payroll communication skills with the ability to effectively respond to employee inquiries and liaise with government agencies, payroll providers, and third-party vendors.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a proven track record of payroll accuracy and data integrity.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employee information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and service-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and compliance.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a payroll-focused professional who takes pride in accuracy, compliance, and delivering exceptional service to employees and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented self-starter with strong technical payroll knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of payroll administration and compliance.

While industry-specific experience is welcomed, we are most interested in candidates who bring strong payroll credentials, experience managing complex payroll processes, and a proven ability to navigate payroll legislation and compliance requirements with confidence.

Why Join This Team?

Join a growing organization where your payroll expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a tangible impact. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll administration across multiple provinces while expanding your HR knowledge in a supportive, collaborative environment. You will work alongside a dedicated team, enjoy a competitive compensation, and have opportunities for professional growth as the organization continues to evolve.