Specialist, Payroll and Benefits Administration

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.   The AGCO is looking for a seasoned Payroll and Benefits Administration Specialist (‘Specialist’) to join their team. Reporting to the Manager, Payroll and Benefits Administration (‘Manager’), the position will be responsible for providing payroll, benefits, and pension services in accordance with federal and provincial legislative requirements, as well as the relevant directives, policies, and procedures. These services include processing bi-weekly payroll, payroll year-end and benefits, including pension administration and related reconciliations, reporting, and remittances. In addition, this position will act as a subject matter expert on all payroll and benefits, including pension-related activities, to ensure that they are handled accurately, timely, and with a customer-centric approach. The position will be an integral part of the Branch, working in collaboration with others, and would serve as backup for the Analyst, Payroll and Benefits Administration, as required.     What You Will Do: Process the organization’s scheduled and ad hoc payroll runs timely and accurately. Prepare reconciliations and monitor payments to third parties and resolve issues. Prepare required reports for monitoring and management reporting. Respond to payroll queries from management and employees by providing prompt and appropriate responses based on the queries. Process transactions related to pension and insured benefit coverage in a timely manner (enrolments, terminations, changes, etc.). Perform information updates to the payroll system, pension, and the benefit providers’ portals. Reconcile payroll deductions and the benefit providers’ invoice and resolve discrepancies. Remain abreast of requirements from legislation, directives, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance, as well as changes to the payroll processing system. Perform regular and annual review of the operating procedures and submit changes for approval. Work on process improvements and innovations and provide recommendations. Participate in the branch, division, and organization-wide working groups. Provide branch program support as required. You Have:  Post-secondary education in business and/or 3+ years of relevant experience administering payroll and benefits.   Expert knowledge in payroll compliance and reporting in a unionized environment with defined benefit pension plans.            Thorough knowledge of payroll, pension, and benefits legislative and other requirements. Sound knowledge of: applicable benefit types (e.g., health, dental, pension, etc.). payroll software application records management principles and practices Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures as related to the payroll, pension, and benefits processing.  Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve discrepancies in payroll. Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy. Strong communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the agency and the payroll service provider. Eligibility to work in Canada and the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check. Nice to Have: A Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation or proof of working towards the designation (Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation awarded or near completion would be an asset).