Benefit Specialist
The Los Angeles Times, 2300 E. Imperial Hwy, El Segundo, California, United States of America Req #40
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Under general supervision, administers, maintains, implements, communicates, and analyzes company total rewards programs including health, dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, family medical leave, flexible spending and retirement plans. Supports company initiatives including annual enrollment, data maintenance and other projects related to employee offerings. Ensures compliance with federal, local and state regulations and alignment with company total reward strategies.
Main Job responsibilities:
- Reviews, applies and establishes policies, procedures, standards and regulations related to all total reward programs
- Analyzes a wide variety of data and determines appropriate handling
- Responsible for billing, summary plan document, payroll deduction and contribution auditing and reconciliation, and resolves any discrepancies
- Conducts periodic internal audits to ensure the integrity of benefit enrollments and the accompanying payroll deductions across our HRIS, including benefit premium arrears. Proactively capture changes and rectify discrepancies. Works with payroll and finance teams on adjustments. Updates internal control procedures as needed.
- Manages and oversees the administration of the 401(k) plan, ensuring compliance through regular audits and managing recurring transactions.
- Supports system updates for plans, deductions or contribution changes, audits data feeds and works with internal and external partners to ensure carrier connections/files (data feeds) are established. Monitors/audits feeds for data integrity including data research, analysis, and testing
- Lead the open enrollment process, including the development of employee's communications and presentations with the benefit broker. Conduct all benefit system administration testing. Completes and supports compliance activities such as standard audits, and federal and state regulations.
- Functions as the single point of contact for coordinating and communicating the organization's leave of absence policy to relevant employees, managers, and payroll department.
- Prepares required reporting for annual filings to the IRS (Affordable Care Act) with the support of our vendor/broker.
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- Ensure compliance of ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, ERISA, and IRS regulations and preparation for reporting requirements
- Monitor and manage our internal compliance calendar and data collection needed related to all applicable federal, state, and local statutes/laws, 5500 process and PCORI fees
- Completes a variety of activities to ensure ACA compliance, including eligibility and yearly processing of 1095-C tax forms.
Requirements:
- 3+ years' experience with benefits and retirement (401k) administration and reporting (including ERISA and other legal requirements related to benefits)
- Intermediate knowledge of benefit program offerings, elections, and administration of plan designs in accordance with summary plan documents (SPDs)
- Intermediate to advanced level computer proficiency with Google or Microsoft Office suite (including macros, charting, vlookup, pivot tables and regression analysis)
- Solid knowledge of government regulations (FMLA, ERISA, HIPPA, COBRA) and applicable laws as they apply to benefits, retirement plans, company policies, and operations.
- Experience conducting benefit deduction audits (knowledge of deduction codes related to compliance and IRS reporting)
- Effectively articulates (educates) complex benefit plan details, including guidance to employees, managers, or other internal partners.
- Adapts to changes in policies, procedures, and priorities
- Proficiently interprets instructional materials and executes business processes accordingly
- Analyzes problems of varied and considerable difficulty and determines appropriate resolution.
- Experience with HCM and benefit administration systems
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting or business-related field or advanced degree preferred
- Advanced experience with Dayforce HCM benefit administration
- Experience with California benefit regulations preferred
- Advanced experience with federal and state leave management
- Advanced experience with carrier feeds
- Attainment of work towards a benefits certification preferred (CEBS) or other benefits credentialing
Expectations:
Within 30 days
Learn about the company culture, policies, and procedures
Study existing benefits plans and policies
Meet with internal stakeholders and benefit partners, including benefit brokers
Learn benefits system set up and attend available classes/trainings
Observe and assist senior team members in daily tasks
Within 60 days
Work with Manager and HCM system analyze current configuration and ensure plan alignment
Take ownership of all questions related to benefits
Understand employee needs and common inquiries
Begin processing enrollment and changes in benefits
Assist in preparing reports and conduct basic benefit analysis
Within 90 days and beyond
Assist in preparing materials and presentations for benefits education
Begin ownership of complex benefits issues and help resolve them
Participate in projects related to benefits enhancements or new offerings
Ensure compliance with regulations and company policies by staying abreast of latest regulations and by conducting internal audits
Lead ongoing audits and analysis
Develop documentation and resources for continuous learning
The L.A. Times is an equal employment opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively work to create an inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. Explore our company history, achievement, values, mission and more on our career site.
The pay scale the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting is $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. At The L.A. Times, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Please visit our career site to view the benefits available to our employees.
The Company is a mandatory vaccination employer for COVID-19 and its variants. The Company requires that its employees be fully vaccinated as of their start date. If you require a medical or religious accommodation, we will engage in the interactive process with you. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to start. If we make you an offer and you are not yet vaccinated, we will accommodate a delay in start date.
Other details
- Job Family Los Angeles Times Super Co.
- Job Function Individual Contributor
- Pay Type Salary
- Min Hiring Rate $95,000.00
- Max Hiring Rate $105,000.00