Benefits Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Benefits Specialist, under general supervision, performs moderately complex technical accounting and fiscal-clerical work maintaining records of school system transactions. The Benefits Specialist has the ability to utilize a complex chart of accounts and recognize appropriateness of account codes throughout all phases of various work assignments. Additionally, the Benefits Specialist has the ability to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Work involves maintaining complete and systematic records of financial transactions as well as requiring the use of current technology for establishing and maintaining records, creating and maintaining data bases, spreadsheets and mail merge documents. In addition to reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the Benefits Specialist will work closely with the Human Resources and Payroll teams to ensure legal compliance with ACA requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma with concentration in business practices, accounting, and/or mathematics
• One (1) or more years of Benefits experience in a school/government setting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of EE Benefits and Laws
• Working knowledge of the Affordable Care Act requirements and reporting expectations
• Working knowledge of the Affordable Care Act laws and legislation (such as measurement period and annual reporting requirements
• Comprehensive knowledge of procedures for payroll deductions pertaining to the state health plan, dental, vision, life and other insurance benefits
• Comprehensive knowledge of auditing procedures for financial records
• Comprehensive knowledge accounting principles
• Comprehensive knowledge of the application of established bookkeeping and accounting principles and techniques to governmental accounting transactions
• Comprehensive knowledge of state, local and school system fiscal regulations, policies and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current technology and office practices, methods and procedures used by ABSS
• Comprehensive understanding of all functions of Financial Services
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Excel, spreadsheet creation and development and other Microsoft Office products that support accounting and communication applications
• Ability to perform multiple technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions
• Ability to support multiple departments and all schools with questions pertaining to insurance and benefit deductions
• Research and analytical skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Verbal and written communication skills

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma with concentration in business practices, accounting, and/or mathematics
• Two (2) or more years of Benefits experience in a school/government setting
• Extensive experience working with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Office environment
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required combination of knowledge, skills and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree or higher from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Practices, technical accounting/finance work involving computer spreadsheet applications and analysis or other related area

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains confidentiality.
• Analyze and reconcile employee payroll deductions for state health plan, dental, vision, life and other benefits to provide invoices.
• Develop and maintain accurate method of reconciliation for monthly insurance bills with payroll deductions and process those deductions in a timely manner.
• Audit and reconcile employee summer escrow insurance deduction balances and process corrections/refunds as necessary.
• Prepare employment verifications in a timely manner.
• Provides support for the Affordable care Act processes.

• Creates and reviews reports consistent with the mandates of the ACA and comparable health care legislation to determine compliance.
• Provides data to the State Health Plan/Benfitfocus and ensures submission of Form

1094-C.

• Provides cover letter and approves data for mailing of Form 1095-C.
• Works closely with State Health Plan/Benefitfocus to ensure all ACA reporting is filed timely and is compliant.

• Prepares ad communicates information to employees regarding insurance benefits during weekly New Hire Orientation.
• Provides support for Open Enrollment.

• Works closely with broker on processes and administration of Open Enrollment each year.
• Assists schools in scheduling individual and group meetings with benefit counselors.
• Hold Open Enrollment informational meetings regarding Open Enrollment and communicates to employees through email, publications, and other means.

• Collects and receipts insurance premiums for employees on a leave of absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Finance Officer.