Benefits Analyst

Overview Position: Benefits Analyst The Benefits Analyst is responsible for administering and coordinating the organization's employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, HSA/FSA, and other voluntary benefit offerings. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and plays a critical role in ensuring data accuracy through routine auditing of benefits records and HRIS data. The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical mindset, advanced Excel proficiency, working knowledge of SQL, and experience using Dayforce (Ceridian) or a comparable HRIS platform. Key Responsibilities Benefits Administration: Administer day-to-day operations of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, and supplemental voluntary benefits. Process enrollments, qualifying life event (QLE) changes, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner within the HRIS (Dayforce preferred). Coordinate open enrollment each year, including system configuration with Benefits Manager and/or HRIS advisor, employee communications, and vendor coordination. Serve as the primary liaison between employees, payroll, and benefit carriers to resolve coverage and claims issues. Process, fund and reconcile weekly, monthly and quarterly benefits invoices, ensuring carrier billing aligns with active enrollments. Employee Support & Communication: Respond promptly and professionally to employee questions regarding benefit plan options, eligibility, coverage details, and claims processes. Educate new hires on benefit offerings during onboarding and provide guidance throughout the enrollment process. Aid in one-on-one and group benefits education sessions as needed, particularly during open enrollment periods. Escalate complex benefits issues to the appropriate carrier or broker contacts and follow through to resolution. Maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive employee data and health information. Assist benefits team with employee wellness initiatives, including planning events and managing the wellness budget. Auditing & Data Integrity: Perform regular benefits audits using Excel and SQL to identify discrepancies between HRIS data, payroll deductions, and carrier enrollment records. Build and maintain audit workbooks in Excel using advanced functions to track enrollment accuracy and flag exceptions. Write and execute SQL queries to extract, validate, and reconcile employee benefits data across HR and payroll systems. Partner with payroll to audit benefit deductions annually, and on an ad hoc basis correcting errors and initiating retroactive adjustments when necessary. Document audit findings, track remediation steps, and present summary reports to the Benefits Manager and HR leadership. HRIS & Reporting: Serve as a subject matter expert for benefits-related configuration and data within Dayforce (Ceridian) or a comparable HRIS platform. Generate standard and ad hoc reports from the HRIS for the Benefits Manager and broker. Identify system configuration issues that impact benefits enrollment or deductions and coordinate with HR, the HRIS and Payroll teams for resolution. Maintain data integrity by regularly reviewing employee records, benefit elections, and plan codes in the HRIS. Support implementation of new benefit modules, system upgrades, or HRIS migrations as needed. Compliance & Vendor Management: Coordinate COBRA administration with third-party administrators, ensuring timely notices and accurate election tracking. Support annual non-discrimination testing, 5500 filings, and other required reporting with data pulls and documentation. Maintain vendor relationships and participate in carrier/broker meetings to stay current on plan performance and market trends. Qualifications Required: Minimum 2 - 4 years of experience in benefits administration or a related HR role with direct employee-facing benefits support. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, data validation, and complex formulas used in auditing and reporting. Working knowledge of SQL for querying and reconciling HR/benefits data across relational databases. Experience processing benefits transactions and pulling reports from an HRIS platform. Strong knowledge of core employee benefit plan types (medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, disability, life insurance). Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA. Exceptional attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain benefits information clearly to employees at all levels. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to travel at least once a year during open enrollment. Preferred: Experience with Dayforce (Ceridian) HRIS, including benefits module configuration and reporting. Experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or a comparable database environment for benefits data analysis. Familiarity with benefits billing reconciliation and carrier EDI file management. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Work Environment & Benefits This position is primarily office-based or hybrid. The role involves extended periods of computer use for data analysis, HRIS management, and written communication. Occasional extended hours may be required during open enrollment or audit periods. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The estimated salary range for this position is $70,000- $85,000. Please note that the salary range provided on the job posting does not include potential bonuses and other forms of compensation and, in some cases, may fall outside the range. The actual salary offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and where applicable, licensure or certification obtained. #J-18808-Ljbffr