Payroll & HR Administrator

Payroll & HR Administrator
Halifax, NS
AM - APA - 8998

Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered with Atlantic Pilotage Authority, a dynamic Federal Crown Corporation to recruit a Payroll & HR Administrator to join their team in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Since 1972, Atlantic Pilotage Authority has been providing an essential service to the marine community in Atlantic Canada. Operating a marine pilotage service for all waters surrounding the four Atlantic Provinces, they ensure that ships travelling within the pilotage area arrive at their destination as safely as possible.  Considered one of the world’s oldest professions, and one of the most rewarding in the marine industry, Atlantic Pilotage Authority manages and dispatches pilots, who serve as guardians of the public when it comes to keeping our harbours safe.

Role Description:
Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Payroll & HR Administrator will be responsible for managing a variety of HR administrative tasks, including employee records, payroll, benefits, pensions, time management, training, certifications, and performance evaluations. Additionally, the successful candidate will oversee the maintenance of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

By joining Atlantic Pilotage Authority, you will have the opportunity to advance your skillset within an operationally focused and supportive environment, gaining exposure to all facets of a dynamic HR function. In return for your skills, you will be rewarded with a competitive compensation and benefits package, including the ability to participate in our client’s pension plan.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage HR administration including filing systems, employee records, reports, correspondence, and responding to staff and public inquiries;
• Support full-cycle recruitment by managing the HR inbox, posting jobs, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, conducting reference checks, and communicating updates to the CHRO and hiring committees;
• Coordinate HR programs and processes such as pre-employment checks, new-hire onboarding, training and certification tracking, and annual performance assessments, while providing additional administrative support to the CHRO as needed;
• Administer full-cycle payroll including bi-weekly processing, timesheet management, attendance/leave/overtime updates, benefit and pension submissions, year-end filings, ROEs, and reconciliation of pay and benefit accounts;
• Maintain and process employee pay and benefits information, including regular and special payments, benefit forms, pension reporting, eligibility files, and related documentation while resolving payroll discrepancies;
• Provide guidance on payroll, benefits, and collective agreement provisions, and support the development or improvement of payroll policies and procedures;
• Maintain the integrity of HR data by managing personnel files, responding to employee inquiries, and conducting regular HRIS data audits;
• Develop and deliver routine and ad-hoc HR reports, including custom analyses for management based on available data;
• Analyze HR processes and recommend improvements leveraging HRIS capabilities, while managing HR intranet content and contributing to organizational social media.

Your Qualifications:
As the ideal candidate, you are self-motivated and comfortable multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment. You possess a heightened level of professionalism and attention to detail, with a keen willingness to learn. Additionally, you take great pride in your work and are excited about the opportunity to make a direct impact on an essential organization.

Qualifications include:

• Post-secondary education in human resources, accounting & finance, or a related field;
• 3-5 years’ working experience in related human resources administration including experience processing payroll, administering benefits, or maintaining HRIS systems;
• CPHR designation, or willingness to work towards would be considered a strong asset;
• Payroll certification/designation would be considered a strong asset;
• Strong understanding of HR operations, processes, and data management, with demonstrated experience ensuring the integrity of confidential records;
• Experience with HRIS and Payroll technologies/software (e.g., Ceridian Dayforce, or similar);
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to liaise with a variety of stakeholders at all levels;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English), French fluency preferred but not required;
• Ability to make well-informed and time decisions relating to the role’s scope of responsibilities.