Senior Benefits Analyst, Human Resources

Senior Benefits Analyst

The Senior Benefits Analyst works collaboratively and communicates with the Human Resources (HR) team, Information Systems, Payroll, third-party administrators, HR liaisons/partners, and faculty and staff, to collect, monitor, and analyze benefits data and to provide feedback/recommendations to ensure compliance with regulations, procedural guidelines, eligibility, programs, and policies.

*This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Please note: this position is available for remote work.

Essential Functions:

• Retirement Plan Administration (30%):
• Leads WFU Retirement Plans compliance efforts, including but not limited to non-discrimination testing, IRS annual limits, small sum distributions, Form 5500, retirement plan contribution adjustments, retirement plan eligibility, and internal and external audits.
• Analyzes and reconciles WFU Retirement Plan contribution file for each payroll to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements, IRS regulations, and the timeliness of processing. Tracks all corrections in partnership with Payroll.
• Monitors new and/or changing regulations for the 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans and when applicable, summarizes and makes recommendations to leadership.
• Assists with the coordination, preparation, and participation in the Retirement Plan Committee meetings, including but not limited to logistics, agenda items, meeting minutes, and materials.
• Systems & Reporting (30%):
• Leads retirement plan-related changes and enhancements in the HR System to support continuous improvement. Develops training materials related to updates.
• Assists with Workday configuration, reconfiguration, testing, and auditing for benefits-related items, including but not limited to open enrollment, biannual upgrades, salary administration, and ACA 1095 Forms.
• Responsible for streamlining, automating, and maintaining retirement and benefit plan reports, audits, scorecards, and creating new ones, within our system of record when needed.
• Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, tracking, and summarizing benefits and retirement plan information, metrics, and trends.
• Ensures processes and procedures are in place to capture and maintain consistent and accurate benefit-related data.
• Fulfills benefits and retirement plan-related transactions in the HR System.
• Compliance & Auditing (30%):
• Monitors benefits plan eligibility, contributions, premiums, and plan limits. Ensures compliance with elections, plan provisions, and government requirements. Works to document and resolve any discrepancies.
• Performs audits to ensure the accuracy of health and welfare data in the HR and benefits provider systems.
• Evaluates employee benefits by benchmarking best practices, researching industry trends, tracking legislation, and estimating impact. Recommends programs/changes to HR leadership. Assists with the rollout of changes.
• Communication & Relationship Building (10%):
• Expedites the delivery of benefits by establishing and maintaining working relationships with third-party administrators.
• Explains employee benefits by conducting meetings, preparing written and graphic announcements and explanations, and responding to requests.
• Resolves employee questions and problems by interpreting benefit policies and procedures.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of retirement and benefits-related experience.
• Experience working in human resources, benefits administration, and retirement plan administration.
• Knowledge of ERISA, federal, and state regulations relating to benefit programs.
• Highly organized work ethic. Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to sensitive information and information contained in employee records and system data. Familiarity with HIPAA Privacy Regulations.
• Ability to provide superior customer service when working with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in person, email, or by phone. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications (i.e., web, email/calendar, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, databases, basic reporting tools, ERP systems, phone, and service case tracking tools).
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively and prioritize in a multitasking environment.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, continuous improvement, and customer-centric environment and to quickly adapt to new procedures.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills Abilities:

• Experience in the Workday ERP system.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.

Additional Job Description:

Time Type Requirement: Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants:

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.