Benefits Data Analyst

Benefits Data AnalystThe District of Columbia Retirement Board is an independent agency of the District of Columbia Government. Our mission is to manage and control the assets of the D.C. Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Plan and the D.C. Teachers' Retirement Plans as well as to administer benefits for the members of the plans.The Benefits Data Analyst is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of participant data throughout the Benefits Administration and Pension System (BAPS) implementation and ongoing pension operations. This position serves as DCRB's primary technical resource for data conversion, data validation, legacy system reconciliation, and operational reporting — ensuring that participant records are accurately migrated to the new system and that ongoing benefit payment and reporting operations are supported by clean, reliable data.This position also supports the Benefits Division's broader data needs, including monthly benefit payment reconciliation, actuarial data preparation, management reporting, and audit support for DCRB's active and retired plan participants.This is a term appointment, not to exceed (NTE) December 31, 2028.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesData Quality & ValidationPerform ongoing data quality assessments across all DCRB retirement plans, identifying and remediating data quality issues in the legacy system prior to conversion.Develop data validation scripts, automated checks, and reconciliation reports for high-risk data fields, including benefit amounts, effective dates, service credit, contribution records, and beneficiary designations.Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) by developing participant data test scenarios that reflect plan specific edge cases and complex benefit calculation situations across DCRB's retirement programs.Identify systemic data integrity issues and recommend corrective actions to the Project Manager and Benefits leadership.Payroll & Benefit Payment ReconciliationPerform monthly reconciliation of benefit payment disbursements, verifying that payment amounts, tax withholding, and direct deposit records in the new system are accurate and consistent with approved benefit entitlements.Support payroll parallel testing activities by comparing benefit payment outputs between the legacy system and the new system during implementation, documenting all discrepancies and resolution outcomes.Prepare data extracts and reconciliation reports to support cost-of-living adjustment processing, year-end 1099-R production, and other payroll-related operational events.Operational Reporting & AnalyticsProduce and maintain recurring operational reports, including monthly disbursement reconciliation, participant census reports, and benefit payment accuracy metrics for Benefits and Finance leadership.Support the actuarial valuation process by preparing participant data extracts that meet actuarial firm specifications and submission deadlines.Respond to ad hoc data requests from Benefits leadership, Finance, Legal, and the Board of Trustees, delivering accurate, well-documented outputs on schedule.Develop dashboards and summary reports to support the Project Manager's monthly project status reporting and leadership briefings.Functional CompetenciesAdvanced proficiency in SQL and relational database querying, with demonstrated ability to write complex queries for data extraction, validation, and reconciliation.Strong knowledge of pension or benefits administration data structures, including defined-benefit plan recordkeeping, participant lifecycle data, and benefit calculation inputs.High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Power Query and pivot tables, and at least one data visualization or reporting tool (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).Demonstrated ability to produce clear, well-documented technical specifications and reconciliation reports accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy in a high-stakes operational environment.Knowledge of District government and federal government related to active employment and post-retirement benefits.Proven ability to independently perform work and organizational skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and contractual information for non-technical stakeholders.Ability to work closely with others as part of a team while being able to take full responsibility for outcomes.Ability to thrive in a changing environment and deal constructively with ambiguity.Ability to independently make decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential data issues.Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult data problems with effective solutions.Required Education & Professional CertificationsBachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related field.Relevant certifications in data analysis, database management, or business intelligence are preferred.Job Experience (Years & Type)A minimum of seven (7) years of data analysis experience, with at least three (3) years supporting pension, retirement, employee benefits, or payroll system operations.Demonstrated experience performing data conversion, migration, and reconciliation activities in an enterprise system implementation.Experience supporting payroll reconciliation or benefit payment validation activities is strongly preferred.Experience with processes and data migration activities in enterprise system implementations.Experience with public defined-benefit pension fund data is preferred.Working ConditionsNormal office environment.Compensation Level:DCRB Grade 07This job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks, duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.DCRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.How To ApplyApplicants must submit a completed District of Columbia Employment Application (DC2000), letter of interest discussing eligibility and qualifications, and resume. The DC2000 is available as a fillable file document on the "Working at DCRB" page on DCRB's website. You may view the page here: claiming Veterans Preference must submit official proof with application.All educational and experience requirements used to determine eligibility for this position must be officially verified at the time of appointment. No offer of employment will be deemed fulfilled without such verification(s).Via Email to: View email address on click.appcast.io