What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Analyst position at Cook Inlet Tribal Council Inc?
COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Benefits Analyst
Department: Human Resources (HR)
Reports To: Manager/Sr Manager of Total Rewards
Supervises: None
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: E6
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
AKBCU: No ICPA: No
General Functions:
The Benefits Analyst supports the administration and continuous improvement of CITC’s employee benefits programs. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate benefits data, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and internal policies, and providing operational and analytical support across the full spectrum of benefit offerings. The Benefits Analyst plays a key role in audits, systems reconciliation, compliance reporting, and customer service. This position requires analytical ability, attention to detail, confidentiality, and a customer-centered approach.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as a subject matter expert on employee benefits, providing analytical, compliance, and operational support for benefit programs.
- Maintain accurate benefits data across systems, including the HRIS, benefits platforms, and accounting software.
- Prepare Affordable Care Act (ACA) documentation, including 1095-C and 1094-C forms, for employee distribution and federal reporting.
- Perform monthly benefits reconciliation and collaborate with Benefits Administrator, Payroll, and Finance to resolve discrepancies.
- Conduct regular audits and quality checks of all benefit and enrollment data to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
- Exercise independent judgment to interpret audit and quality check findings, offering clear guidance and direction for resolution or improvement
- Prepare reports related to benefits participation, costs, trends, and compliance.
- Support internal and external audits by compiling and submitting required documentation.
- Review employee applications for education assistance and education leave, including follow-up communications.
- Assist in maintaining process documentation, standard operating procedures, and communication materials.
- Participate in open enrollment planning, system testing, employee support, and event coordination.
- Contribute to system upgrades and implementations related to HRIS and benefits administration platforms.
- Provide back-up support for benefit administration functions and assist with continuous process improvement.
- Collaborate with HR Business Partners to support leave administration, including FMLA and Disability coordination.
Job Specifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple activities.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, interpret data, and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across departments.
- Working knowledge of HRIS and benefits administration software; familiarity with carrier/provider portals.
- Ability to interpret and apply business publications, professional journals, technical documents, and government regulations.
- Proficient in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation.
Minimum Core Competencies: CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
- Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, HR operations, payroll, or related roles.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems.
- Familiarity with relevant regulations (COBRA, ACA, ERISA).
- Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
- Continued employment is contingent upon a satisfactory completion of a state and federal fingerprint background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB).
- Familiarity with leave administration and education assistance programs.
- Experience with system audits, reconciliation, and vendor coordination.
- Professional HR or benefits certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR)
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
- The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.
