Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Overview Position: Payroll & Benefits Specialist (Salt & Tracxtion) Team: People & Culture Location: Canada Role Overview As a Payroll & Benefits Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our employees across Canada and the United States experience seamless, accurate, and well-communicated payroll and benefits programs. Sitting within the People & Culture team, this role focuses on operational excellence and employee support. You’ll administer payroll, benefits, compensation changes, and leave programs with precision, care, and confidentiality — partnering closely with Finance and external vendors to ensure programs are executed smoothly and compliantly. This role owns payroll and benefits data input accuracy, while payroll processing, approval, and reconciliation remain with Finance in accordance with segregation of duties. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on details, enjoys supporting employees, and takes pride in keeping complex processes running flawlessly behind the scenes. Core Responsibilities Payroll Administration (Canada & USA) Support payroll data input and validation using ADP and Gusto, in close partnership with Finance. Prepare and validate payroll inputs, including new hires, compensation changes, leaves, terminations, and bonuses. Ensure payroll inputs are accurate, complete, and delivered on time for Finance processing each cycle. Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and empathy. Maintain payroll records, approvals, and documentation to support compliance and audits. Compensation Administration Administer approved compensation changes related to salary reviews, promotions, job or level changes, and market adjustments. Ensure all compensation updates are accurately documented, approved, and communicated to employees. Support compensation cycles by preparing materials, tracking approvals, and coordinating communications with People and Finance partners. Benefits & Perks Administration (Canada & USA) Administer benefits and perks programs, including GroupSource, MyHSA, Medcan and Gusto Benefits (Cigna, Principal). Coordinate employee enrollments, changes, and terminations in benefits programs. Ensure benefits premium deductions, eligibility changes, and taxable benefit forecasts coordinating closely with People and Finance. Update employee-facing benefits materials, including presentations, decks, and one-page summaries. Deliver benefits onboarding and education for employees in Canada and the U.S. Administer wellness initiatives, perks, and value-added programs. Coordinate RRSP registrations through the Group RRSP provider. Coordinate 401K support through guidelines Leaves, Time Off & Accommodations Administer leave-related processes, including parental leave, sick leave, statutory leaves, and time-off programs. Coordinate parental leave elements such as baby gift cards, baby gifts, RESP-related items, and associated communications. Support employees and leaders with leave documentation and process guidance. Ensure leave status is accurately reflected across payroll, benefits, and People systems. Coordinate short term disability employer applications for maternity leave in USA through principal. Coordinate workplace accommodations in alignment with legal requirements and People policies. Experience & Skills 2–3 years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, HR operations, or a related People function. Hands-on experience supporting payroll processes and working with payroll systems (ADP and Hibob experience an asset). Strong understanding of benefits administration and employee lifecycle processes across Canada (U.S. exposure an asset). Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple processes and deadlines accurately. Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically to employees. Highly organized, discreet, and trusted with confidential employee information. Comfortable partnering cross-functionally with People, Finance, and external vendors. Asset: Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation (or actively working toward it) and/or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation (or actively working toward it). Background and credit check required. Perks & Benefits Work-Life Flexibility: Hybrid setup, up to 28 paid days off, winter holiday shutdowns, and dog-friendly office vibes. Comprehensive Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans, plus Salt Bucks to spend on what matters to you. Growth-Driven Culture: Dedicated Salt Days, top-tier learning access, and formal development opportunities. Celebration-First Mentality: Team trips, seasonal socials, and Salt Swag that reps your squad. Culture of Belonging: DEI programs, active ERGs, and a workplace where every voice counts. Pay Transparency Statement The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $62,000–$72,000. Individual compensation within this range is determined based on job-related factors such as experience, skills, level of responsibility, internal equity, and business needs. This range represents the expected base salary for this role and does not include other elements of SALT/The Kitchen’s/Tracxtion's total rewards program. #J-18808-Ljbffr