Benefits Administrator

The Benefits Administrator will manage, monitor, and optimize the organization’s health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs. This role supports key benefits functions such as open enrollment, leave administration, vendor management, compliance with federal and state regulations (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, etc.), and benefits integration during organizational transitions. The position also oversees benefits data accuracy in HRIS, billing, and employee wellness initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, monitor, and optimize health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits inquiries, including plan provisions, claims, and status changes.
• Support benefits integration during mergers, acquisitions, and organizational transitions.
• Lead annual benefits renewal and open enrollment processes, including data management, employee communication, and training.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA).
• Coordinate and ensure accuracy of benefits data in HRIS and payroll systems.
• Conduct benefits audits and data analysis to ensure accuracy and integrity of records.
• Partner with Finance and HR leadership on cost analysis, budgeting, and vendor performance metrics.
• Manage billing processes, including monthly reconciliation and payment of administrative fees for group plans.
• Maintain and update employee benefit files and the group benefits database.
• Prepare and submit required benefits filings and reports (e.g., Form 5500, ACA reporting).
• Administer PTO policies, including accruals, rollovers, and sick leave.
• Process leaves of absence (FMLA, disability, medical, personal), unemployment claims, and workers’ compensation with appropriate documentation.
• Conduct benefits orientations and explain enrollment processes to new hires.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for benefit enrollments and updates.
• Support the development and implementation of employee wellness and engagement initiatives.
• Act as liaison with benefits vendors, third-party administrators, and payroll processors.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration or a total rewards function.
• 2–3 years of experience supporting benefits during mergers, acquisitions, or large-scale transitions.
• Experience managing benefits in multi-state environments.
• Strong knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA).
• Proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, UKG, SAP).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and data reporting tools.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.

Professional certifications (CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP) preferred.