Job brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented Benefits Administrator to join our People Operations team and manage our comprehensive employee rewards strategy. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for employees navigating their health and wellness benefits, while overseeing the integrity of our benefit plan data. You will play a vital role in executing our annual open enrollment process and ensuring that our compensation and benefits programs stay competitive and compliant. If you possess a sharp eye for administrative detail and a passion for employee support, we would love for you to join our team.
Key highlights
- Manage the end-to-end administration of health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans through our HRIS and carrier portals.
- Execute the annual open enrollment process by preparing communication materials, hosting webinars, and verifying employee election data.
- Reconcile monthly carrier invoices against payroll records to ensure accurate premium payments and resolve any billing discrepancies.
- Maintain strict compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA regulations by conducting regular audits of benefit documentation and records.
What is a Benefits Administrator?
A Benefits Administrator is a specialized HR professional responsible for the end-to-end management of employee total rewards programs, including health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and leaves of absence. Acting as the bridge between employees and insurance carriers, a Benefits Administrator ensures organizational compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ACA regulations. By leveraging advanced HRIS platforms and data analytics, they oversee plan enrollment, reconcile carrier invoices, and provide essential guidance to employees regarding their compensation packages.
What does a Benefits Administrator do?
A Benefits Administrator manages the daily operations of benefits programs, including processing life event changes, conducting open enrollment sessions, and troubleshooting payroll deduction discrepancies. They coordinate directly with insurance brokers and third-party administrators to resolve complex claims issues and ensure timely data transmission between the company payroll system and benefit providers. Furthermore, they perform periodic audits of employee data to maintain accuracy in records and ensure that the organization remains in full compliance with changing federal and state benefits legislation.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end administration of health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans through our HRIS and carrier portals.
- Execute the annual open enrollment process by preparing communication materials, hosting webinars, and verifying employee election data.
- Reconcile monthly carrier invoices against payroll records to ensure accurate premium payments and resolve any billing discrepancies.
- Serve as the primary liaison for employees regarding benefit inquiries, coverage disputes, and complex FMLA or disability leave requests.
- Maintain strict compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA regulations by conducting regular audits of benefit documentation and records.
- Collaborate with finance and payroll departments to ensure accurate deduction processing and system-wide alignment of benefit contributions.
- Monitor market trends and benchmark our total rewards packages against industry standards to ensure competitive offerings for talent retention.
- Update and maintain internal HR documentation and summary plan descriptions to reflect changes in benefit policy or legislative requirements.
Requirements and skills
- 3+ years of experience in benefits administration or a similar HR operations role with a focus on total rewards.
- Proven proficiency with major HRIS and Benefits Administration platforms such as Workday, ADP Workforce Now, or BambooHR.
- Deep working knowledge of federal and state labor laws, specifically ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and FMLA requirements.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, specifically using VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and conditional formatting for data reconciliation.
- Professional certification such as the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or PHR/SHRM-CP is highly preferred.
- Ability to explain complex plan options and insurance terminology clearly to employees of all levels within the organization.
- Strong analytical mindset with a track record of identifying process inefficiencies and implementing automated solutions.
- Exceptional attention to detail when handling sensitive employee health data and private personal information.
FAQs
What does a Benefits Administrator do on a daily basis?
A Benefits Administrator handles the operational side of employee rewards, which includes processing life event changes, responding to employee coverage questions, and auditing enrollment data. They interact daily with HRIS platforms and insurance carrier portals to ensure employee records are current. By maintaining accurate data and solving billing issues, they ensure employees have uninterrupted access to their healthcare and retirement benefits.
What skills are required for a Benefits Administrator?
Key skills for a Benefits Administrator include deep knowledge of healthcare regulations like ACA and HIPAA, proficiency in HRIS data management, and strong analytical capabilities for invoice reconciliation. They must also possess excellent communication skills to explain complex insurance policies to staff. Familiarity with payroll software and a high degree of precision in documentation are essential for this role.
Who does a Benefits Administrator work with?
A Benefits Administrator acts as a critical link between the company and several external and internal stakeholders. They work closely with insurance brokers and carrier representatives to resolve claims, and with internal finance and payroll teams to manage deductions. Additionally, they are the primary resource for employees seeking guidance on benefit eligibility, leave administration, and retirement plan options.
Why is the role of a Benefits Administrator important to a company?
The Benefits Administrator is essential to the company's ability to attract and retain talent through competitive total rewards programs. By managing benefits effectively, they reduce the administrative burden on leadership and minimize the company's legal exposure to compliance risks. Their work ensures that the workforce remains healthy, secure, and well-informed, which directly correlates to higher employee engagement and overall productivity.