Job Description
Title: Senior Benefits Specialist/Analyst
Location: St. Louis, MO
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
*Contract Position*
Position Overview:
This role provides comprehensive analytical support in the ongoing design and administration of all employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, wellness plans, health care spending accounts (HSA), and flexible spending account (FSA) plans. The Senior Benefits Specialist/Analyst will communicate regularly with all active and former employees/beneficiaries to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research and resolve issues relating to benefits and payroll through effective use of vendors, brokers, systems, and firm policies and procedures.
- Interface with vendors and brokers to ensure appropriate administrative support and expedient problem resolution.
- Administer and monitor the leave of absence process, including coordination with payroll, documentation, and tracking of FMLA, and maintenance of legislative updates to remain compliant with all laws and regulations.
- Perform regular internal and external system maintenance, including new hires, changes, terminations, and running necessary reports and file system transmissions.
- Prepare Welfare Plan IRS Form 5500 and all schedules to ensure accuracy and timely filing, as well as preparation and distribution of Summary Annual Report.
- Review and audit rates, rules, plans, etc., in PeopleSoft to ensure proper maintenance.
- Test benefits plan/rates for required PeopleSoft upgrades.
- Responsible for updates/adjustments for imputed income for life insurance and benefit eligibility for required ACA reporting.
- Develop and conduct benefit orientation for new hires as needed.
- Work closely with the Director of Benefits during the open enrollment process, including communications, premiums, meetings, and benefit administration.
- Facilitate Dependent Care annual testing process with FSA vendor and manage/communicate any required changes for future benefit deductions.
- Manage/assist with RFPs and new vendor implementation, including system setup, process updates, and required employee communications.
- Identify and prepare documents for posting on the firm's intranet portal.
- Complete and analyze benefit surveys to compare the firm's benefits against the market.
- Gather and submit data to comply with federal mandates as required by regulatory agencies.
- Ensure all HR Managers have a thorough understanding of the firm's benefit programs and provide train-the-trainer instructional sessions for open enrollment, new HR manager orientations, etc.
- Respond to HR Helpline emails and provide backup for HR Helpline phone calls.
- Provide backup support for Benefit Analysts as needed.
- Investigate accidents, report injuries/illnesses to workers' compensation vendor, and maintain workers' compensation records, including annual OSHA reporting and required postings.
- Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Specifications/Qualifications:
- Knowledge of policies, procedures, and federal and state legislation related to employee benefits.
- Thorough knowledge of health and welfare plans and payroll processes.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing with internal and external clients.
- Proven proficiency with statistical calculations.
- Ability to make efficient and effective presentations.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and HRIS systems, preferably PeopleSoft.
- Proven ability to problem solve and carry a project through to completion.
- Proven ability to work with vendors to resolve problems and manage projects.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
- Ability to organize large amounts of data, both electronic and hardcopy, for easy filing and retrievability.
- Requires the ability to regularly report to work on the days scheduled.
Competencies:
- Analysis/Research Skills
- Communication Proficiency
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making/Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.
- Minimum five to six years of experience administering health and welfare plans, including statistical and analytical benefit reporting.
- Minimum five to six years of experience working on Benefit Administration in an HRIS system, preferably PeopleSoft.
- CEBS or CBP certification is a plus.
Job Tags
Contract work, Flexible hours, Monday to Friday,