Bilingual Specialist, Total Rewards

Job Description:

At McCarthy Tétrault, we offer challenging and rewarding career opportunities and are delighted to have been selected for the eleventh consecutive year in 2023 as one of the best workplaces. Our culture is built on professional excellence, collaboration, innovation, thought leadership, and entrepreneurialism. We embrace inclusion in all its forms and we provide the tools and opportunities to help our people develop to their full potential.

Bilingualism is required as this is a collaborative role at a national level, and the candidate will have to handle and follow up on various requests from customers and third parties who understand and communicate only in English. This position also requires the candidate to be able to interact fluidly with colleagues in our offices across Canada, where English is the predominant language. As we estimate that more than 60% of the work required by this position must be carried out in English, candidates must be able to communicate adequately in French and English, both orally and in writing.

This position is based out of Montreal. McCarthy Tétrault employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Reporting to the Manager, Total Rewards, the specialist is responsible for the tight management, throughout the Firm, of benefits programs for employees, lawyers, and retirees, which includes the following responsibilities:

1. Providing efficient and accurate answers to the questions submitted to the Total Rewards Centre of Excellence through our HR Services e-mail address or through ServiceNow.
2. Transferring the requests received via the HR Services email inbox or Service Now to the various team members involved in these activities.
3. Following up on more complex questions and requests related to the various programs offered by the firm.
4. Creating and maintaining scripts for the HR Services email inbox.
5. Following up on all requests transferred to the members of the HR Services team to ensure that the issues are resolved and that the responses are satisfactory and provided within the set deadlines.

Handling all invoices in connection with the group insurance and the reconciliation of the group insurance plans, within the prescribed deadlines. Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data and information regarding the Centre of Excellence and the HR system.

1. Verifying the accuracy of supplier invoices for group insurance coverage.
2. Coordinating group insurance invoicing within the prescribed deadlines and reconciling with payroll and accounting entries, particularly with regard to taxable benefits.
3. Performing bi-weekly and monthly data validation between the insurer and the payroll system.
4. Liaising with the Finance department regarding equity partner bonuses.
5. Analyzing, on a bi-weekly basis, the HRMS benefits report and identifying required changes with respect to the system and to our providers.
6. Collaborating closely with the payroll and benefits coordinator to make the required changes to the system as well as with regard to our providers.
7. Ensuring the accessibility and accuracy of benefits information in documentation provided to firm members.

Managing leaves and related benefits, throughout the Firm. Acting as the main contact for our firm members and for our providers regarding any issue and any updates in our benefits programs related to leaves of absence.

1. Contacting firm members who will take time off from work on a short-term disability leave, a maternity, paternity or parental leave, or a compassionate care leave to give them information regarding each of our programs and related benefits.
2. Coordinating the preparation of documents to be submitted to the employees and the payroll service.
3. Participating in follow-up calls with our providers and insurers in connection with the management of short-term and long-term disability files.
4. Updating the master files regarding short-term disability leaves as well as maternity, paternity, and parental leaves.
5. Ensuring follow-up with the proper stakeholders regarding complex matters.

Acting as a specialist for the Total Rewards Centre of Excellence:

1. Leading orientation meetings regarding benefits for new members of the firm.
2. Supporting the members of the Centre of Excellence team with respect to any benefits-related requests from firm members, as well as from retirees.
3. Providing support to firm members regarding the interpretation and application of policies and procedures relating to the Total Rewards programs.
4. Participating in the optimization and documentation of payroll and benefits processes and developing new ideas for improving processes, procedures, and tools.
5. Leading and/or participating in HR projects related to human resources initiatives and to the Total Rewards Centre of Excellence.
6. Supporting the Manager, Total Rewards, in daily activities and annual processes related to insurance, retirement plans, and all other benefits.
7. Supporting the members of the Centre of Excellence regarding any other requests or projects from the Centre.
8. Supporting other members of the HR Services team whenever there are absences.

As our ideal candidate, you will distinguish yourself by the following profile:

1. Bachelor's degree in administration or human resources.
2. Professional certificate as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS or CAAS) (asset).
3. At least four to six years of experience in a similar position linked to benefits and absences management.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite software, specifically Excel at an intermediate/advanced level.
5. Knowledge of Canadian laws, regulations, and programs related to benefits.
6. Excellent organizational skills and good priority management.
7. Be rigorous and detail-oriented.
8. Analytical and synthetic mindset and ability to optimize processes.
9. Strong interpersonal skills; good oral and written communication skills; able to work at all levels of the organization.
10. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changes in a fast-paced work environment.
11. Teamwork spirit.
12. Discretion and confidentiality.
13. Bilingualism (English and French) both spoken and written.

As a member of the McCarthy team, you will have access to:

1. Outstanding benefits from day one, including insurance premiums paid by the Firm and wellness and technology reimbursements.
2. Competitive compensation, paid overtime, and generous time off, including a day off to volunteer and a day off for your birthday.
3. A commitment to professional development and growth opportunities for our people at all levels, supported by a culture that fully embraces and encourages two-way feedback.
4. Strong community involvement and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
5. A collaborative, cohesive culture that connects lawyers and business teams through collective purpose.

We thank all applicants for their interest in McCarthy Tétrault; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about application status. McCarthy Tétrault is an equal opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.