Lead Benefits Analyst-Remote Options-Az Preferred

• Collaborates closely with the Manager of Total Rewards to align daily benefit operations, technical implementations, and compliance initiatives with overall division goals.
• Serves as a first-level escalation resource for HR Specialists and Representatives, providing operational troubleshooting and guidance on routine benefit tasks, staff/manager inquiries, and vendor dispute resolution.
• Partners with HR Specialists and Representatives to guide new hires through benefit selections and ensure timely system setups.
• Calculates quarterly 403(b) matches, processes seniority dates, and assists management with annual retirement audits and compliance.
• Performs biweekly payroll deduction reconciliations, list bill audits, contribution, census and enrollment file management, and ongoing error report reconciliations across system file feeds. Corrects discrepancies, as needed.
• Partners with internal teams and vendors to support ongoing technical implementations and system integrations, as needed.
• Coordinates the annual open enrollment process, ensures required enrollment actions are completed, and spearheads ongoing staff communications, including a monthly newsletter and intranet page updates.
• Coordinates workplace wellness initiatives, health screening events, or managing the promotion and utilization of the employee assistance program.
• Ensures compliance with relevant federal and state regulations (e.g., COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA) across benefits and leave programs, updating policies and procedures as needed. Continuously improves benefits administration processes by identifying efficiency opportunities, implementing enhancements, and maintaining thorough procedure documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support overall effectiveness of department and organization.

Education:  High school diploma or higher education degree required.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of progressive experience in human resources, benefits administration, or leave management.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating workflow, providing functional guidance, or serving as a peer escalation point for administrative and HR support staff.
   

Certification:   N/A

License:  N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of human resource laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Advanced regulatory, data reconciliation, and analytical skills.

• Advanced computer skills including using Excel to create and manage large data sets.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education:  Associates degree or higher in business, HR Administration or related field.

Experience:

• Healthcare or hospital environment experience.

• Experience with enterprise systems such as Oracle Cloud HCM and UKG Time and Attendance.
   

Certification:  SHRM or HRCI certification(s).

License:  N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  N/A

• Exposure Category III:  Expected duties do not have potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.
• Other potential hazard(s):  Possible exposure to chemical substances and hostile individuals.

• Ability to sit for 6-7 hours daily at a desk and/or computer terminal.
• Ability to bend at the knees and stoop for filing.