Benefits Analyst

Description

Position: Benefits Analyst 
Position Type: Remote 
Hours: Full-Time 

Job Summary

The Benefits Analyst position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). This position provides excellent customer service and administers quality benefits plans. The Analyst continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and executes benefits administration. They are equally solution and detail-oriented with a calm ability to make progress. They ask hard questions and seek clarity in situations of ambiguity. The Benefits Analyst is considered by others to be “buttoned up” and always “on top of it”. 

Job Responsibilities: 

Essential job responsibilities of the Benefits Analyst include, but are not limited to: 

• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance. 

• Recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.  

• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.  

• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration.  

• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.  

• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.  

• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees. 

• Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.  

• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records. 

• Assist with annual 401(k) audits, 5500 Filings, and reviewing ACA 1095-C forms for accuracy 

• Gather employee data and execute the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.   

• Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect, and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces. 

• Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs. 

• Survey industry trends. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefits information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management. 

• Monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying, and reconciling of budgeted funds. 

• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.  

• Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff. 

The foregoing job responsibilities are illustrative only and are not meant to be exhaustive. ACES reserves the right to change, amend or modify the job description/responsibilities at any time and in its sole discretion.  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Working knowledge of Human Resources concepts, practices, programs and methodologies 

•  2-4 years previous experience in a similar or related benefits position 

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases. 

• Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.  

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment. 

• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines. 

• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.  

• Knowledge of benefits contract language. 

• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements. 

• Excellent communication and organization skills. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force and lift/move up to 10 pounds 

• May include, without limitation, the following physical demands: sitting, typing and viewing a screen(s) for long periods of time 

Additional Information 

ACES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, age or covered veteran status. 

 To find out more about how ACES uses employee data for business purposes, see our Employee Privacy Policy.