The Compensation and Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and processing payroll information in the HR/Payroll system, while ensuring data integrity, compliance and confidentiality. Overall administration of all compensation and benefits related functions, including Group Insurance Plans, Group Benefits, and pension processing ensuring consistency in application. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with employees at all levels, communicating and delivering various HR programs and initiatives to the business.
You will be responsible for your personal safety and that of your co-workers by observing all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations and Halifax Water’s Occupational Health and Safety Program Manual.
- Responsible for administering and processing payroll information in the HR/Payroll system including salary/wage changes, benefits and options deduction calculation, entitlements, status changes, training, and ensuring timely, compliant processing and applicable supporting documentation is received.
- Responsible for configuration/editing, testing and maintaining HR/Payroll system master data, confidential information and file documentation to ensure accurate payroll information, benefits administration, entitlements and production of reports.
- Coordinate and process requests for pension calculations in conjunction with actuaries and correspond/review with employee.
- Administer and process pension payments including integration changes, benefit and insurance plans for pensioners.
- In Conjunction with the Pension Plan Administrator, responsible for the employee pension administration including record keeping, providing information to plan members regarding contributions, termination and retirement options, death benefits and spousal pension, pension statements and generally responds to all member inquiries.
- In conjunction with Finance Division, participate in annual pension record keeping and reconciliation with previous year including employee contributions, earnings and pension indexing calculation and the preparation and reporting of information in conformance with the Pension and Benefits Act and other applicable legislation including annual pension adjustment figures, actuarial calculations and annual returns.
- Process and maintain appropriate files and information for pension/retirement options including: retirement, termination benefits, marriage breakdown, pension death benefits, survivor pension and guarantees.
- Provide support as the main point of contact for employees regarding benefit inquiries and maintain accurate benefit coverage within the HR/Payroll system including enrollment, changes and terminations.
- Ensure monthly benefit billing (premium payments etc.) and new rate adjustments are processed in an accurate and timely manner.
- Ensure all legislative (federal and provincial) requirements are met and keep up to date on all legislative issues as related to payroll, benefits and pension.
- Provide input regarding the HR System requirements/enhancements to meet the needs of the organization.
- Participate in strategic planning, analysis and information acquisition prior to negotiations and participates, as required.
- Participate in the development of policy with respect to payroll, benefits, pension and other areas of human resources
- Maintains current knowledge of trends/developments through networking with government agencies, regulatory bodies, benefit plan carriers, consultants and other sources.
- Replace and assist the Supervisor as required including attendance at various Committees as a non-union representative.
- Completes projects and other administrative tasks as assigned by the Supervisor.
- Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
Reports to: Supervisor, People & Culture
Supervises: n/a
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- A university degree in a related field and ideally hold a PLP designation, from Canadian Payroll Association - National Payroll Institute, or be willing to obtain. (Other relevant equivalent combinations of directly related formal education and experience may be considered).
Experience:
- Minimum of two years previous related work experience in a unionized work environment (preferable within a municipal or regional government setting) Experience with HCM would be considered an asset. Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel.
- Must have or be willing to undertake and successfully complete PLP - Payroll Leadership Professional of the Canadian Payroll Association - National Payroll Institute Certification program.
- Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:
- First Aid
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
- Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements
- Proficiency in the use of computerized payroll/hr systems and current software
- Knowledge of government legislation
- Knowledge of labour relations issues
- Excellent computer/keyboarding skills, with speed and accuracy
- Demonstrated ability in conducting research and working with detailed spreadsheets, tables and related documents
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others (teamwork)
- Demonstrated initiative and flexibility in assuming responsibility and accepting ever changing work priorities
- Strong organizational and problem solving skills
- High degree of professionalism and confidentiality
- Ability to think creatively, solutions focused and results oriented
- Demonstrated effective communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
The salary band for this NU role position is Band 6 ($70,670 to $88,338 annually). Applicants who applied previously for this competition do not need to reapply.
Completed cover letters and resumes - application forms [PDF] optional, stating Competition #HW26-84E must be received by 4:30pm, July 27, 2026. Please forward to:
- Halifax Water
HR Department
P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
Halifax, NS
B3K 5M1
Fax
- 902-490-6934
Conditional Items Required for Employment:
- Satisfactory background check
- Satisfactory pre-employment testing
Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.
Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.