Payroll Clerk

Company Description

The County of Grande Prairie builds on its natural environment and the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens to provide an unmatched quality of life and opportunity for all. We offer a collaborative and dynamic workplace where our values of Respectful, Strategic and Accountable guide our conduct and contribute to a healthy culture.

Job Description

Reporting to the Supervisor, Payroll and Benefits, our Payroll Clerks are primarily responsible for processing payroll, as well as helping with data entry and administrative duties within the Cash Control department.

They are responsible for providing support to the Supervisor, Payroll and Benefits to ensure that the requirements of the department are met in a proactive and timely manner.

Payroll & Benefit Processing:
• Process payroll for hourly, salary and union employees in an accurate and timely manner; ensure accuracy by auditing timesheets to validate that earnings, deductions, and accruals are properly distributed.
• Respond to all payroll, benefit, and pension inquiries.
• Distribute paystubs to employees in a timely manner.
• Process wage changes and calculate retroactive adjustments.
• Process Record of Employments and respond to Service Canada inquiries.
• Ensure all timesheets are accurate, and any inconsistencies are resolved.
• Post pay period adjustments.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to team members, as needed.
• Recommend or participate in the development of new procedures and policies related to payroll operations; assist with changes within payroll processing system; update affected policy/procedure manuals.
• Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process; keep informed of Alberta Employment Standards legislation.
• Complete payroll orientations with new hires.

Benefit and Pension Administration:
• Assist employees when completing registration paperwork; send to benefit carrier for processing.
• Complete and forward any terminations or updates to benefit carrier.
• Keep up to date with benefit changes due to legislation and insurance policies.
• Prepare and administer garnishments.
• Process LAPP registrations, terminations, change of address, name changes and leaves.
• Prepare prior service buyback.

Reconciliation Processing:
• Compile financial, tax and payroll reports for both internal and external purposes.
• Maintain payroll and benefit financial transactions in accordance with organization policy, auditing and government requirements.
• Ensure accuracy of deductions such as government remittances, WCB, computer, LAPP, garnishments, RRSP and union dues are in compliance with Federal and Provincial laws.
• Prepare and enter Journal Entries.
• Assist with year-end requirements including payroll balancing, T4 preparation, LAPP and WCB annual reports.
• Investigate, analyze and resolve any payroll issues, make necessary adjustments or corrections through journal entries.
• Monitor WCB and CPP payments to ensure employees and the County do not exceed the maximum contribution.

Records Management:
• Ensure all payroll related information is kept secure and confidential.
• Prepare documentation for new hires including hire package and file creation.
• Prepare termination documentation.
• File payroll reports, electronic funds transfer, employee files and supporting documentation.
• Maintain a high level of security.
• Keep payroll processing procedures current.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
• Business, Accounting, or Human Resources Diploma and two years related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Payroll Compliance Practitioner certification (PCP through the Canadian Payroll Association) or working towards.
• Experience with a variety of payroll processing software and Municipal experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Strong understanding of payroll and accounting processes.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with business English.
• Excellent computer skills, payroll software and Microsoft Office.
• Comprehension of provincial and federal payroll and related tax regulations, legislation and guidelines.
• Respecting employee privacy.
• Ability to communicate tactfully, clearly, and effectively, and exercise mature judgment to deal effectively with County Council and employees.
• Ability to work independently and carry out responsibilities with a minimum of supervision while working as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize own workload.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and consistency when preparing material.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) .
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a variety of individuals or groups.
• Ability to address external deadlines and time pressures.
• High degree of discretion, sound judgment and professionalism.

Additional Information

What We Offer
The County of Grande Prairie provides a competitive compensation package, including benefits, paid vacation and participation in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). We actively support professional development opportunities and foster an engaging work environment.

Other Perks
• Health and Wellness benefits (myHSA)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) allowance
• County-branded clothing allowance
• Personal fuel card with discounted price
• County campground discount
• Personal cell phone plans

Work Schedule: This permanent full-time position entails a 35-hour work week. Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30, with some overtime as required.

Hourly Pay Rate: $39.40 - $46.35

Posting Closing Date: November 12, 2026

As part of the County of Grande Prairie’s commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace, we encourage and support a scent-free environment.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. If you would like to include a cover letter, please combine your resume and cover letter as one document and upload while applying. We do not accept applications sent via email.

The County of Grande Prairie recognizes and values the principles of fair hiring practices. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.

• This posting may be used for future vacancies or to fill more than one position
• This posting may be open until a suitable candidate(s) is/are found.

Please note that once your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. If we require any additional information we will contact you. Due to the volume of applications received we can only answer questions at the interview stage.