Benefits Analyst

Overview Assists in the development, implementation and administration of the Company's qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including the defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) plan, defined contribution profit sharing plan, deferred compensation plans and other non-qualified retirement plans. Completes and coordinates regulatory reporting and mailings related to retirement plans by established deadlines. Coordinates with vendors and internal partners involved with supporting retirement plans. Gathers business requirements, develops and documents test matrices and testing scenarios, and executes user acceptance testing and validation for changes impacting retirement processes and systems. Provides technical consultative support to the Retirement Specialists. Administers daily processing for all the Company's retirement qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, and provides backup for the Retirement Specialists. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible for making an established range of decisions, escalating to the Manager when necessary and updating Manager on a regular basis. Responsibilities What you will do: Works with vendors and internal resources to complete regulatory reporting such as 401(k) census and match true-up, discrimination testing and form 5500 filings. Coordinates completion of required regulatory notices including mailing of the Summary Annual Report, QDIA notice, Fee Disclosure and Annual Funding Notice. Assists in the collection and quality assurance of data utilized in annual benefits statements. Completes assigned accounting reconciliations on a monthly basis. Assists with the research and data validation for legal and regulatory requirements including the annual valuation, tax reporting, annual audits and financial statements, discrimination testing, benefit statements, etc. Provides counseling to associates regarding various aspects of retirement, including payable benefits, retiree health and welfare and Social Security and Medicare benefits. Answers associate requests over the telephone or through written correspondence within the time service standards set by the department. Exercises excellent customer service skills ensuring each contact is a positive experience by using a professional tone, displaying empathy as appropriate, being sincere and practicing good listening skills. Uses sound judgment when confronted with an unusual or unfamiliar request. Performs and reviews defined benefit calculations and payments for accuracy and timeliness. Determines eligibility for retirement benefits under the defined benefit plan and determines the appropriate welfare benefits to offer upon retirement. Clearly communicates information to associates verbally and in writing. Establishes and maintains accurate pension records in the pension system, including electronic processing of monthly pension checks and deductions. Also,, ensures records are set up accurately for tax reporting. Assists in coordinating projects for plan and regulatory changes and other projects where quality testing is required. Analyzes project risks and ensures that all research, testing, training and documentation deliverables are incorporated into the scope and requirements definition, project scheduling and other necessary activities in the project planning process. Meets all agreed-upon deliverable dates. Responsible for providing first-level technical support related to retirement systems and processes. Works with various Information Technology areas and third party vendors to maintain and enhance systems supporting retirement processing. Determines appropriate course of action in complex situations that may not be addressed by existing policies, procedures or protocols. At times, influences decisions based on system and processing capabilities. Assures timely and accurate processing of enrollments, rollovers, contributions, distributions and loans in the 401(k). Communicates with 401(k) record keeper on a daily basis regarding 401(k) processing and associates' account issues as first level support. Assures timely and accurate processing of enrollments, asset allocation changes, deferrals and distributions in all non-qualified retirement plans. Audits and reconciles pension and 401(k) payroll transactions and approves payroll for processing on a bi-weekly and/or monthly basis as a backup for the Retirement Specialists. Maintains compliance with applicable federal and state laws (e.g., HIPAA) related to privacy, security, confidentiality, and protection of personal information, including, but not limited to, personal health information and personally identifiable information. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. Qualifications College degree in Finance, Business, or related field or other business or retirement related experience. - Required Demonstrated experience completing multiple assignments simultaneously, and completing assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis. - Required Proven experience adapting and demonstrating flexibility associated with changes to policies/procedures. - Required Proven experience in Microsoft Office products. - Required Demonstrated advanced level of employer-sponsored retirement plan knowledge in either Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution plan types. - Required Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to successfully interpret and communicate business needs to both internal and external partners in a clear and concise manner. This includes demonstrated professional telephone and email communication skills and etiquette and ability to deliver and adverse response in a positive manner at all levels in the organization. - Required Demonstrated strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective resolutions. - Required Proven strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Must cite examples of organization and time management methods used to manage or prioritize workload demands. - Required Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information in a discreet manner. - Required Attainment of, or significant progress towards, the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or ASPPA QPA or QKA designation - Preferred Work Setting/Position Demands: Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings. Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis. Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned. Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis. Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work. Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events. Travel Requirements None #J-18808-Ljbffr