Senior Benefits Analyst

The Senior Benefits Analyst is responsible for providing analytical and project management support for various retirement and health and welfare benefit plans and initiatives. This position performs a variety of retirement and benefits program activities, including but not limited to, the integration of benefits programs following mergers and acquisitions: program analysis, assisting with program design, implementation and communication, as well as regulatory compliance and education. Responsibilities also include partnering with internal team members and third-party vendors to manage the completion of the day-to-day processing tasks. This position is responsible for engaging with employees and HR team members on Tier 2 retirement and health and welfare benefits related activities and inquiries.

• Serve as primary contact for 401(k) plan administration and analytics (e.g. payroll/deferral/loans quarterly and ad hoc reporting NDT testing). Incudes plan interpretation, issue resolution for employee and systems, and implementation of technology and process improvements. Manage the enrollment and administration of Executive benefit plans including the deferred compensation, split dollar, executive physical and SERPs. Calculates annual Performance match under the 401(k) plan when declared.
• Liasion for the Norwalk Union pension plan between actuary and facility HR.
• Monitor & validate data/integrity on both inbound & outbound files to/from vendors to ensure accuracy of employee indicative data, plan enrollments, and changes.
• Responsible for external audit preparations and support. Prepare employee/participant census data for auditors & actuaries. Prepare data/documentation requested by Auditors. Research & respond to auditors inquiries. Provides general support to annual/ongoing benefit plan auditing processes.
• Ensure that all benefit programs are compliant with current legal requirements and monitor the regulatory environment for future changes.
• Provide support on all compliance activities related to retirement and health and welfare plans. This includes plan audits and legal filings such as 5500s, PBGC, Medicare D, ACA, PCORI and Annual Funding Notices.
• Oversee special benefits projects related to open enrollment and year-end testing including annual audits as well as vendor searches/implementations and benefit design reviews.
• Prime resource for integration of acquisitions into Olympus programs.
• Prepare data/documentation requested by Auditors. Research and respond to Auditors’ general inquires.
• Support development and distribution of required participant communications (e.g. Annual Funding Notices SARs SPDs newsletters CHIP HIPAA.
• Lead technical support for annual enrolment and any mid-year system/vendor changes with third party administration vendor(s) and internal systems. Includes all testing and scoping of data/file requirements data validation and primary responsibility over accuracy and timely delivery. Coordinate with HRIS payroll and other stakeholders to effect and communicate changes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration preferred.   
• Minimum of 8 years of benefit administration experience with emphasis on retirement programs (defined contribution and defined benefit) benefits compliance and communications. Experience with an out-sourced benefits environment and self- insured coverages. Strong foundational understanding of HCM system configuration set-up and functionality SAP/ADP experience preferred.

Preferred:

• Ability to interact with employees at all levels in a confidential professional manner. Strong oral and written communication skills. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficient in computer systems such as Word Excel PowerPoint and HRIS . Superior organizational skills. Client focused and professional.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to create complex spreadsheets to analyze model and audit data Strong written communications skills Knowledge and experience with benefits laws and regulations including but not limited to PPACA ERISA COBRA and HIPAA ACA.