Payroll & Benefits Specialist

**WHO ARE WE?**

BC Indigenous Housing Society (BCIHS) has been in operation since 1984 with the mandate of providing culturally appropriate housing so that tenants have a sense of belonging with supports in place for harm reduction. While the core function of VNHS is in providing housing, there is acknowledgement that many of the tenants have endured intergenerational trauma. Residents have been disenfranchised from their communities and so in addition to housing, BCIHS has the responsibility of creating a safe community by connecting residents with community service supports as well as access to cultural opportunities.

BCIHS takes the approach that it has been tasked as a custodian of the lands and buildings, rather than a landlord. Tenants did not choose the leadership of BCIHS, and it is therefore up to the organization to earn the trust and respect of the tenants. This is achieved by running an efficient and socially responsible organization.

**PAYROLL AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST**

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the processing of biweekly payroll as well as calculations of benefit premiums, union and pension plan contributions and other remittances. This position involves professional and consistent interaction with internal staff to ensure that payroll is processed accurately and in an efficient and timely manner.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**
- Set up, maintain, and update employee information in the payroll software.
- Calculate and update information such as employee leaves, overtime, and benefits.
- Prepare and verify statements of earnings for employees, indicating gross and net salaries and deductions.
- Prepare, verify, and process all employee payroll related payments, including regular pay, benefit payments, and special payments such as payroll adjustment and vacation pay.
- Complete, verify and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits such as pension plans, leaves, employment, and medical insurance into Payworks.
- Prepare payroll related filings and supporting documentation, such as year-end tax statements, WCB and MPP year end reconciliation, Records of Employment, and other statements.
- Provide information on payroll matters, benefit plans and collective agreement provisions.
- Compile, review, and monitor statistical reports, statements, and summaries related to pay and benefits accounts.
- Prepare and balance period-end reports and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.
- May be responsible assisting in the development and/or implementation of payroll policies, procedures, or processes.
- Receive, compile, and submit payroll hours into Payworks Payroll system for hourly and salaried employees (union & non-union).
- Facilitate and process documentation for setting up new hires and other employee life cycle transactions.
- Prepare and balance period-end reports, journal entries and reconcile issued payroll to bank accounts.
- Investigate and correct payroll discrepancies and errors.
- Payroll journal entries for month-end.
- Address employee's pay-related concerns and provide accurate payroll information.
- Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, VNHS policies and collective agreements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**

Post Secondary Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
- 3-5 years Payroll processing experience
- CPP Designation is preferable
- Payworks experience and union experience an asset.
- Experience working in the Indigenous community, property management, not for profit organizations, considered an asset.
- Experience with multi-company organizations and inter-company transactions.
- Strong analytical skills and proficient in reconciliation processes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

**Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities**
- Ability to work in a high volume, fast paced environment remaining focused and results oriented.
- Demonstrated ability to accurately calculate, post, correct, and manage accounting figures and

financial records.
- Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; of basic bookkeeping methods and

terminology; of business arithmetic; and of filing, indexing and cross-referencing methods.
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to use a computer and other office equipment effectively.

understand, carry out and issue clear oral and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing, and to establish and

maintain cooperative relations with those encountered during work.
- Must possess a high level of confidentiality for handling organizational payroll and benefit

information
- Strong teamwork, communication and problem resolution skills
- Basic knowledge of accounting systems, budgets, and internal controls.
- Skilled at working with Microsoft Office suite, Excel spreadsheets.
- Extreme attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Analytical thinking, planning, p