Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist (Confidential Search)📍 Location: Alberta 🏢 Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent 🤝 In Partnership With: Aeolus Staffing Solutions About the Opportunity Aeolus Staffing Solutions is proud to partner with our client in Alberta on a confidential search for a skilled and collaborative Senior Payroll Specialist . This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who thrives in a team-oriented environment and enjoys managing complex payroll operations within a unionized setting. The successful candidate will ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and serve as a trusted resource within the People and Culture team. If you take pride in precision, collaboration, and integrity — this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact within a respected organization. Please note this is not a remote position - Candidate would require to relocate to North Eastern Alberta Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Administration Lead end-to-end semi-monthly payroll for unionized and non-union employee groups. Review and validate time entries, pay changes, and deductions for accuracy and compliance. Prepare EFT deposits, ROEs, and statutory remittances (CRA, WCB) in a timely manner. Maintain meticulous payroll records and ensure data accuracy within the payroll processing system . Support year-end activities including T4/T4A reconciliation and submission. Union Payroll & Compliance Interpret and apply collective agreement provisions in payroll and benefits calculations. Collaborate with HR and Labour Relations to ensure consistent application of pay and leave entitlements. Monitor regulatory changes and collective agreement updates affecting payroll, benefits, and pensions. Prepare payroll reports and summaries for Finance, auditors, and leadership. Benefits & Pension Administration Administer employee benefits, vacation accruals, sick time, and other leaves in accordance with organizational policies and agreements. Coordinate employee enrollment, adjustments, and terminations with benefit and pension providers. Reconcile benefit and pension deductions and billing monthly . Lead year-end payroll and pension reporting and audits. Advise employees on pension participation, contributions, and related matters. Collaboration & Continuous Improvement Mentor and work closely with the Payroll Administrator to ensure seamless processing and serve as backup when needed. Partner with HR, Finance, and department managers to provide payroll insights and solutions. Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and reporting. Uphold confidentiality and maintain a professional, customer-focused approach with all stakeholders. Qualifications Minimum 5 years of progressive payroll experience , including unionized environments. Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation required; Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) or in progress preferred. Post-secondary education in Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources . Strong understanding of Canadian payroll legislation , CRA remittances, and collective agreement interpretation. Experience with payroll systems (Avanti experience considered an asset). Advanced proficiency in Excel and reconciliation reporting. Public sector or complex multi-site payroll experience considered an asset. Key Competencies Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong analytical and reconciliation skills. Team player with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Sound judgment, confidentiality, and professionalism. Proven time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines. Continuous improvement mindset and proactive problem-solving approach. Why This Role This is a great opportunity for a seasoned payroll professional to bring their expertise to a collaborative and values-driven team. You’ll be part of a workplace that values integrity, respect, and accountability — while ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, every time.