Job title: Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Company: Lee Valley Tools

Job description: About Lee Valley:

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that woodworking and gardening are not just hobbies, but are for many a lifestyle choice. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud 45-year history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. Our customer service is renowned. We pride ourselves on providing quality in all products, whether developed and manufactured internally or sourced elsewhere.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment and we strive to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

Overview:

Reporting to the Manager, Human Resources, the Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for assisting in multiple financial activities relating to company bi-weekly payroll functions, group benefits and pension administration. You will be responsible for the full cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees in both Canada and the US. This position is responsible for adherence to all relevant payroll laws, requirements, policies and procedures in the relevant jurisdiction. Participation in the ongoing development and documentation of departmental policies and procedures will also be part of this role.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Assist in the preparation and administration of payroll for all company employees, while auditing payroll processing reports for accuracy.
• Ensure that all salaries are paid accurately and in a timely fashion to all company employees.
• Coordinates all year-end payroll and benefits processes, reconciliations and remittances.
• Issue ROEs, T4s, Relevé 1 forms
• Process monthly WSIB remittances.
• Issue ad hoc, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports including all year end processing.
• Oversees quarterly audits on payroll and benefits to ensure data accuracy.
• Handle all inquiries arising from questions about payroll or benefits.
• Maintain detailed records and documentation of payroll functions for audit purposes, in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Monitor attendance records for business units.
• Stay abreast on compliance requirements and industry best practices; recommend changes or modifications to existing policies and programs to remain in compliance; and adopt best practices where feasible
• Works closely with Vice President, People and Culture on Annual Compensation Review cycle.
• Liaise with HR on new hires, terminations, remuneration, headcount, conditions of service and other relevant matters and preparation of relevant payroll information.

Group Benefits Administration

• Responsible for administering the Company’s RSP, RPP and 401K retirement plans, including coordinating open enrollments for both the US and Canada.
• Responsible for the enrollment and unenrollment of employees from the Group Health and Group retirement plans.
• Works closely with the VP, People and Culture, CFO and our broker on Pension filings and compliance.
• Distribute reports, employee manuals, benefit package descriptions, and other publications.
• Prepare monthly remittances for group insurance payments
• Handle all inquiries and complaints regarding benefits.

HRIS and Employee Records

• Is responsible for ensuring that all new hire employment data is captured electronically and upload to appropriate files.
• Responsible for ensuring that all employees are legally eligible to work in Canada and/or the US, with appropriate proof of eligibility per employment legislation.
• Collaborate with the HR department and other departments to ensure pay and personnel records are accurate and up to date.
• Advising appropriate departments when an employee is no longer employed.

Compensation

• Assists with regular market salary surveys for Canada and the U.S. to ensure the Company’s pay practices are current.
• Assist with assessing job descriptions and placing into salary bands and regularly updates and maintains data and systems.
• Assists with the benchmarking for Managers and HR for off-cycle compensation adjustments.
• Will assist with implmenting the compensation module in our HRIS system.

Miscellaneous

• This role will assist the team in other related duties and assigned and initiates recommendations to further enhance the department’s service offerings.

Knowledge and Skills:

• College or University education in related field
• Bilingual in English and French (spoken and written)
• 2 + years of Canadian and US payroll experience in a complex environment
• Experience with payroll systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now
• Strong quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to prioritize and manage conflicting demands
• High flexibility with strong interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse environment
• Strong sense of ethics and the ability to handle sensitive or private information with tact and discretion
• Knowledge of governing payroll policies, legislation, regulations, standards, and processes
• Ability to perform analytical work, using detailed knowledge of procedures covering multiple payrolls which require different deduction and tax treatment
• Experience in all year end processing activities (T’4’s, WSIB etc.)

Diversity and Inclusion:

At Lee Valley, we are proud to celebrate and foster a diverse team of professionals. We take pride in nurturing an inclusive culture that empowers our people to be their authentic selves, celebrate their differences and love where they work. Our diverse community combined with our inclusive culture, is what sets us apart in the industry.

We encourage all candidates to apply for job opportunities with Lee Valley regardless of race, national origin, colour, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and family status, or disability.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please do not hesitate to reach out.

How to Apply:

Please visit our careers page at

We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Expected salary:

Location: Ottawa, ON

Job date: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:07:35 GMT