What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Manager position at SUNSWEET GROWERS INC.?
The Benefits Manager is responsible for managing all benefit and retirement plans. This position requires an individual who has an extensive background in benefits and is well versed in benefit reporting and auditing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned. The position reports to the head of Human Resources.
- Handles confidential information with sensitivity and discretion.
- Manages benefits audits by providing records and documentation to auditors and preparing all necessary reconciliations.
- Identifies and recommends updates to benefit programs and processes.
- Prepare and analyze quarterly budget report on benefits.
- Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and updates programs and processes accordingly.
- Develops company cost information for new plans and makes recommendations.
- Reviews and reconciles monthly pension plan trustee statements to track cash flow and expenses.
- Coordinates and prepares reconciliations for annual financial statement audits.
- Reviews weekly and monthly action required reports issued by the plans' record-keeper and take appropriate course of action to address.
- Updates census data for annual valuation / discrimination testing purposes.
- Tracks and distributes benefits commencement packets to DB plan participants.
- Inputs new annuitants or lump sum payments for pension plans into PlusWeb or other application. Processes monthly payments to retirees for Sunsweet’s pension plans.
- Serves as committee secretary for all retirement plans.
- Prepares for and conducts annual retirement plan committee meetings for all plans.
- Prepare Form 5500s for the defined benefit, defined contribution, and health & welfare benefit plans.
- Prepares and files Form 8955-SSA for all retirement plans.
- Prepares and files PBGC premium filings for all defined benefit pension plans.
- Work to establish and execute procedures for administering the plans in compliance with IRS & DOL's rules.
- Coordinates with ERISA attorney to ensure all plan documents are timely updated and accurately maintained.
- Audit Form 1099-Rs to ensure accurate information is reported.
- Prepares and distributes all annual notifications required to be distributed to benefits plan participants including but not limited to Summary of Material Modification, Summary Annual Report, Annual Funding Notice, Small Plan Audit Waiver, and Summary Plan Description.
- Coordinates payment of professional fees incurred with respect to the retirement plans as well as reimbursement from participating employers.
- Maintains master files on all pension plan activity (e.g., keep all files organized to facilitate easy access when necessary).
- Prepares monthly reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts pertaining to retirement and health & welfare benefits.
- Reviews divorce decrees for the existence of alternate payees.
- Reviews QDROs (domestic relations orders) to determine if qualification requirements are met before approving and processing for payment.
- Performs routine review of beneficiary designations for 401(k) plans to ensure timely completion.
- Updates status of plan participants for the 401(k) plans.
- Reviews and approves distribution requests from Sunsweet’s 401(k) plans.
EXPECTED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills:
- Discretion and confidentiality always.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with payroll software (UKG preferred).
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly excel.
Education and Experience:
- 4-year degree in Accounting, Human Resources or Business Administration
- 5-7 years of experience as Benefits Manager servicing over 200 employees in a union environment (Preferred)
Physical/Safety Requirements:
- Tolerate extended periods of sitting at desk.
- Tolerate working in a busy employee traffic hallway
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
