Benefits Specialist

General Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and support of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. This role ensures accurate benefits processing, compliance with company policies and applicable laws, and provides excellent employee support regarding benefit-related inquiries. The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our LIC office and requires working on-site.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, 401(k), and other voluntary benefits
• Manage employee enrollments, life event changes, terminations, and benefit status updates in HRIS and carrier systems
• Conduct benefits orientation for new hires and support annual open enrollment processes
• Coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate deductions and benefits-related reporting
• Monitor benefit eligibility and ensure timely processing of all benefits transaction
• Process and reconcile monthly benefits invoices from carriers and vendors to ensure billing accuracy
• Review and resolve billing discrepancies with providers, brokers, and internal stakeholders

Auditing & Compliance

• Perform regular audits of benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, dependent eligibility, and carrier invoices to ensure data accuracy
• Audit employee records and benefit elections for compliance and consistency across HRIS, payroll, and vendor systems
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and Section 125
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records and documentation
• Prepare audits, reports, and data analysis related to benefits participation, costs, and plan utilization
• Support annual compliance filings and benefits-related reporting requirements

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Administration

• Administer ACA compliance for corporate and retail employee populations, including tracking hours of service, eligibility, and measurement periods for variable-hour employees in partnership with ADP
• Ensure timely and accurate offers of coverage in accordance with ACA employer shared responsibility requirement
• Partner with payroll, HRIS, and benefits vendors to maintain accurate employee data related to ACA reporting and eligibility
• Support the preparation, review, and distribution of ACA reporting forms (Forms 1094-C and 1095-C)
• Respond to employee inquiries related to ACA eligibility, coverage offers, and reporting
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance with ACA requirements
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

401(k) & Retirement Administration

• Coordinate payroll contributions and ensure timely and accurate funding of employee and employer contributions
• Partner with retirement plan providers and recordkeepers to resolve participant issues and ensure plan accuracy
• Support annual nondiscrimination testing, compliance audits, and required retirement plan reporting
• Assist employees with retirement plan questions, enrollment guidance, and general plan education
• Support annual 401(k) audits and coordinate with internal finance teams, payroll, and external auditors

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 1-2+ years of experience in benefits administration or HR operations
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and compliance regulations
• Experience with HRIS systems and benefits platforms
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR reporting
• Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and employee service skills

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $65,000 - $70,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.