Benefits Analyst

Benefits Analyst

Location: Houston, TX (100% Onsite)

Schedule:
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM or 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required.

Compensation:
$32.00 - $37.00/hour, with flexibility for highly qualified candidates.

Assignment Length:
Approximately 3 to 9+ months

Employment Type:
Contract Assignment
No conversion anticipated at this time.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Analyst to support a large corporate benefits function. This individual will serve as a key resource for benefits administration, vendor management, compliance, reporting, and employee support. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in health and welfare plans, retirement plans, compliance, and employee benefits operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between employees, benefit vendors, and third-party administrators.
• Manage employee benefit escalations and ensure timely resolution.
• Coordinate eligibility, enrollment, billing, and data transfers with vendors.
• Analyze benefits data for accuracy, trends, compliance, and reporting purposes.
• Support open enrollment planning, execution, and employee communications.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and enhance the employee experience.
• Assist with administration of wellness programs, leave programs, and ancillary benefits.
• Administer daily benefits activities including:

• Enrollments

• COBRA

• Terminations

• Beneficiary changes

• Disability claims

• Life and accident claims

• Rollovers

• QDROs

• QMCSOs

• Loans

• Hardships

• Compliance testing
  

  • Participate in benefits audits and compliance filings, including Form 5500 support.
  • Review and reconcile vendor invoices and benefit-related payments.
  • Prepare routine and ad hoc reporting to support business decisions.
  • Partner closely with HR, Payroll, Accounting, and other internal stakeholders.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four years of benefits administration experience.
• Strong knowledge of:

• ACA

• ERISA

• COBRA

• FMLA

• ADA

• Section 125

• Workers' Compensation

• Medicare

• OBRA

• Social Security

• Department of Labor regulations
  

  • Experience working with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CEBS Certification.
• Advanced Excel skills including:

• Pivot Tables

• Macros

• Advanced Reporting Functions

Additional Information

• Up to 10% travel may be required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Ideal Candidate Background

Successful candidates will typically have experience in:

• Benefits administration
• Retirement plan administration
• 401(k) plans
• Vendor management
• Benefits compliance
• Open enrollment
• Benefits audits
• Form 5500 support
• HRIS reporting and analytics
• Shared services or large corporate environments