Payroll Specialist

Palliser School Division is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical
Payroll Specialist.
This crucial role manages the administration of employee compensation, benefits, and retirement plans, with a specific focus on the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF), the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) and Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP).

The ideal candidate blends proven payroll execution skills with deep, specialized knowledge of pension regulations and calculations.

Start Date:
Immediately

Job Posting Close Date:
November 7, 2025
Schedule:
35 hours per week, Monday - Friday

The Division
Palliser School Division, located in southern Alberta, serves approximately 8,100 students across a diverse range of communities from Coaldale to Calgary. Our schools include 14 community schools, 8 faith-based alternative programs, a sports-focused school, programs for Low German-speaking Mennonite families, 18 Hutterian colony schools, and online and international learning options. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment where students thrive. Guided by our values of authenticity, trust, transparency, critical thinking, leadership, and well-being, we empower every student to reach their full potential and become engaged, caring citizens in a dynamic world.

What You Will Do

• Manage all aspects of ATRF and LAPP pension plans, acting as the subject matter expert for enrollment, maintenance, transactions, remittances, and complex issues like eligibility, purchase of service, leaves of absence, and retirement processes.
• Audit calculations and support ASEBP administration.
• Interpret collective agreements, policies and legislation related to compensation, benefits, pension, and leaves of absence.
• Ensure compliance with all federal/provincial legislation and tax regulations relevant to payroll and benefits.
• Calculate and process a variety of payroll deductions (e.g., union dues, pension, benefit premiums).
• Support the administration of other employee benefits (ASEBP), including related year-end reporting and audits.

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A deep understanding of pension administration and collective agreements.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in all calculations and data entry tasks.
• Expertise in full-cycle payroll processing, including accurate data entry, calculation, validation and timely disbursement for all employees.
• Deep understanding and practical application of federal, provincial and local tax laws, including managing CRA remittances, T4/T4A preparation, Record of Employment (ROE) submissions, CPP, and EI.
• Proven ability to manage, prepare and successfully reconcile all necessary year-end tax forms and summaries.
• Strong knowledge in Alberta Employment Standards and general knowledge of Alberta Labour Relations.
• Proficiency in data entry, database management and analytics.
• Proficient with payroll systems, google sheets, google docs, and Microsoft office.
• A proven commitment to unwavering ethical conduct and foundational values, including integrity, loyalty, respect and honesty.

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Finance or a related field.
• Certification as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist would be an asset
• 3-5 years of experience in benefits and pension plans.
• Preferred: Working knowledge and practical experience with ATRF and/or LAPP.
• Preferred: Experience in a public education environment in Alberta.

Salary/Benefits

• Salary range: $61,000 - $75,000, dependent upon experience.
• 100% Employer paid comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and health/wellness spending accounts

Conditions Of Employment
To maintain a safe and secure working environment, applicants new to The Palliser School Division must provide:

• Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector check from Local Police Service or RCMP detachment;
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) card or document issued by Service Canada; SIN card/document (must be in current legal name). Name on SIN card/document must match your Government Issued ID and Criminal Record Check;
• Government issued ID (must be in current legal name) - valid driver's license, valid passport or Nexus card.

How To Apply
Interested candidates are asked to submit their documents through ApplytoEducation on the "Human Resources" page of the Palliser School Division website at:

The Following Attachments Should Accompany The Online Submission

• Cover letter directed to Amber Ruest, Human Services Supervisor;
• Resume summarizing training and experience;
• Minimum of three professional references.

By virtue of the submission of an application, the applicant agrees that the superintendent or designate can contact previous employers for the purpose of conducting confidential reference checks, whether or not the applicant has listed a reference for that employer.
We thank all those who apply, but only those candidates selected for
an interview will be cont
acted.
Palliser School Division