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.