Benefits Specialist

Benefits SpecialistThe Benefits Specialist provides comprehensive Benefits and HR administrative support across Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Well-being, COBRA/HIPAA, Financial and Retirement plans, and other voluntary benefits. This role focuses heavily on 401(k) and financial well-being benefits, ensuring accurate and compliant day-to-day administration while delivering exceptional service to employees and managers. The Benefits Specialist also supports new benefits initiatives that align with organizational business objectives and strategic goals, with a strong emphasis on data accuracy, process improvement, and advanced Excel-based analysis.ResponsibilitiesSupport the administration of employee healthcare and welfare benefit programs, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pharmacy, Section 125 plans, Qualified Life Events, and Financial and Retirement plans.Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs while providing clear guidance and support to employees and managers.Focus on 401(k) and financial well-being benefits by handling inquiries, supporting related projects, and ensuring accurate data between internal systems and external vendors.Contribute to benefits operations by supporting workflow optimization, system updates, and the maintenance and accuracy of plan documents.Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing the annual benefits open enrollment process, including system readiness, employee communications, vendor collaboration, and issue resolution.Support special benefits projects that enhance operational efficiency and improve the overall employee benefits experience.Manage and maintain effective relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and consultants to support the day-to-day administration of all benefit plans.Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits and resolve issues by coordinating with internal departments such as Payroll and Legal, as well as external benefit vendors.Perform daily administration functions, including managing file feed transfers, generating and reviewing statistical reports, processing enrollment elections and changes for new hires and employees on leave of absence, and processing beneficiary changes.Administer and process Qualified Medical Support Orders (QMSO) accurately and in a timely manner.Conduct audits and prepare payment submissions of invoices to external vendors, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.Participate in status and planning meetings with vendors, contribute to the implementation of system or process enhancements, and support problem resolution activities.Use advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and formulas, to balance and reconcile data, research discrepancies, and compare information between Oracle and vendor systems.Maintain strong documentation and reporting practices to support compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement of benefits processes.Deliver high-quality customer service by clearly explaining benefits, resolving issues efficiently, and maintaining a professional and empathetic approach.Essential SkillsStrong knowledge of Health and Welfare plans and Section 125 plans.5 years of experience in benefits administration or HR.Hands-on experience administering medical, dental, vision, reimbursement accounts (Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Health Savings Accounts), and 401(k) plans.Experience with health and welfare benefits, including medical insurance, COBRA, and open enrollment processes.Familiarity with benefits compliance requirements and related regulations.Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills such as pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex formulas.Experience working with Oracle HR or payroll systems.Experience using or supporting benefits administration systems, preferably bswift.Strong customer service skills, with the ability to respond to and resolve employee benefit inquiries effectively.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.High attention to detail with solid analytical skills.Effective time management abilities to handle ongoing daily administration and project work.Ability to work within a ticketing system to track and resolve benefits-related requests.Proven experience in benefits administration, including benefit verification and related operational tasks.Additional Skills & QualificationsBackground in accounting or bookkeeping to support the financial aspects of 401(k) and financial well-being benefits.Experience balancing and reconciling data between Oracle and external vendor systems.Experience with ticketing systems to manage and track employee benefit inquiries and issues.Exposure to benefit operations, including workflow optimization and system updates.Experience collaborating with Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to resolve complex benefits issues.Ability to participate in and support special projects related to benefits enhancements and operational improvements.Comfort working with statistical reporting and benefit-related metrics.Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying and resolving discrepancies in benefit data.Work EnvironmentThe role follows a standard full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position operates in a professional office environment that relies heavily on HRIS platforms, Oracle systems, benefits administration tools, and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel. Work involves regular interaction with internal departments, external vendors, and employees, primarily through digital communication and meetings. The environment emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and collaboration, with a focus on continuous improvement of benefits operations and employee experience.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Saint Petersburg, FL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.50 - $24.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Saint Petersburg, FL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.About Aston CarterAston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.