Payroll Coordinator/ Finance Support

Who We Are

Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society (MAKS) is a Delegated First Nations Agency supporting the safety, wellbeing, and cultural connection of Mikisew Cree First Nation children, youth, and families residing on reserve. The organization delivers culturally grounded intervention and family support services rooted in Cree values and traditions. Working alongside families, Elders, and community partners, we focus on strengthening families and keeping children connected to their culture, community, and identity. Through a trauma-informed and holistic approach, the Agency promotes healing, resilience, and healthier futures for Mikisew Cree First Nation children and families.

Who You Are

Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society is seeking a Payroll Coordinator/ Finance Support to provide accurate, compliant, and timely end-to-end payroll administration for MAKS. This role ensures employees are paid correctly and on schedule, maintains payroll records and controls within the XYNTAX system, and completes all statutory remittances and year-end payroll reporting.
In addition to payroll responsibilities, this position provides structured finance support in collaboration with the Finance Coordinator to support month-end processes and reporting requirements for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Government of Alberta (GOA). 

Main Roles & Responsibilities:

Primary Focus – Payroll (60%)

Process bi-weekly payroll and ensure accuracy of hours, pay rates, overtime, statutory holiday pay, allowances, retroactive pay, and deductions while maintaining appropriate approvals and audit trails.

Maintain employee payroll records in XYNTAX, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, TD1 forms, direct deposit details, deductions, cost center allocations, and taxable benefits.

Review and reconcile payroll reports prior to processing, manage off-cycle payments and payroll corrections, and ensure proper documentation and approvals.

Prepare and remit statutory deductions and reconcile payroll liabilities such as source deductions, vacation accruals, and benefit/pension deductions to the general ledger.

Coordinate payroll-related benefits and deductions, support payroll year-end activities including T4/T4A preparation, respond to employee payroll inquiries, and maintain payroll procedures and internal controls.

Secondary Focus – Finance Support (40%)

Support the Finance Coordinator with month-end close activities including payroll-to-general-ledger reconciliations, accruals, and variance explanations.

Prepare payroll cost summaries and reporting extracts by program, department, or funding stream to support ISC and GOA reporting requirements.

Assist with maintaining accurate coding for payroll allocations and support documentation for reporting and audits.

Track payroll-related vendor invoices such as benefits, pension, payroll services and provide backup support on finance administrative tasks during peak periods.

Contribute to process improvements and perform other related duties as assigned to support the organization’s financial operations.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the agency’s objectives.

Education and Experience:

Diploma or Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field (payroll certification/designation is an asset).

Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience, including statutory deductions and year-end activities (T4/T4A).

Demonstrated knowledge of CRA payroll requirements, remittances, and payroll record-keeping standards.

Experience using an ERP or payroll system; experience with XYNTAX is a strong asset.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and ability to produce reconciliations, summaries, and reporting extracts.

Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with a keen attention to detail and strong deadline management.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Experience working knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions, and values is a definite asset

Ability to speak Dene or Cree is an asset.

Requirements:

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector.

Child Intervention Record Check.

Possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license with a satisfactory 5-year Drivers Abstract.

Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Willingness and ability to work after hours and/or weekends when required.

Willingness to submit to an oath of confidentiality.