Benefits Analyst - Leave Administration

Position Summary

The Benefits, Leave & Compliance Analyst is responsible for the administration, auditing, and continuous improvement of employee benefits, leave of absence programs, and HR compliance processes. This role serves as a key resource for employees, vendors, and HR partners by ensuring accurate benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience while supporting organizational growth and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer U.S. and Canadian health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, FSA/HSA, and retirement plans.
• Coordinate employee enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations.
• Monitor benefits questions in HR ticketing system and resolve timely.
• Assist with annual open enrollment activities.
• Audit benefit eligibility, deductions, and carrier files to ensure accuracy.
• Partner with benefits vendors to resolve eligibility, claims, and enrollment issues.
• Support employee education through benefits communications, presentations, and training materials.

Leave Administration

• Coordinate administration of FMLA, ADA accommodations, parental leave, short-term disability, long-term disability, state leave programs, and company leaves of absence.
• Serve as liaison between employees, managers, and third-party leave administrators.
• Monitor leave cases for compliance with federal, state, and company requirements.
• Track leave utilization and ensure timely communications and documentation.
• Coordinate and monitor benefit payments while employees on leave.

Compliance & Auditing

• Conduct periodic audits of benefit plans, payroll deductions, leave programs, and HR processes.
• Assist in the annual 401(k) audit and conduct necessary audits to ensure plan accuracy.
• Conduct periodic employment audits - exempt/non-exempt and FT/PT to ensure accurate records.
• Support compliance activities related to ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125 plans, and applicable state leave laws.
• Assist with preparation of regulatory filings, notices, and plan documentation.
• Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support internal and external audits.

Reporting & Analytics

• Generate recurring and ad hoc reports related to benefits, leave, compliance, and workforce trends.
• Analyze program utilization, costs, and operational effectiveness.
• Provide recommendations to improve processes, employee experience, and cost efficiency.
• Support due diligence and integrations for acquisitions as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, leave administration, HR compliance, or related HR functions.
• Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable state leave laws.
• Strong analytical, auditing, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and HRIS systems.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred

• CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or comparable certification.
• Experience supporting multi-state employee populations.
• Experience with benefits vendors, leave management systems, and acquisitions/integrations.

Success Measures

• 99%+ benefits and leave transaction accuracy.
• 100% completion of required compliance filings and notices.
• Timely resolution of employee inquiries within established service levels.
• Successful completion of annual audits with minimal findings.
• Demonstrated improvements in process efficiency, compliance, and employee experience.