Benefits Analyst jobs in Alaska

Summary

The Benefits Analyst performs a variety of benefits program activities, ensuring validity and accuracy of these programs and applying appropriate regulations and law. Responsibilities include but are not limited to participating and assisting in administering pension, retirement, group insurance and other employee benefit plans, and administering Ahtna’s protected leave programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and deliver excellent customer service with minimal room for error.
• Always observes stringent security and confidentiality procedures for all employee identifiable data and/or personal health information, through electronic or paper mediums.
• Maintains excellent working relations with colleagues, both within Ahtna and with vendors.
• Observes safety procedures and reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities below and other related duties as assigned.

Benefits Administration

• Provides information to employees regarding the Ahtna benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, and 401k.
• Administers Ahtna’s protected leave programs, including but not limited to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA).
• Audits benefit enrollment setup, data entry and deductions in the Ahtna Employee Center (HR system) and related technologies, including the payroll system.
• Assists in the year end open enrollment validation, system setup, and rate changes.
• Provides staff with education on employee benefits, enrollment procedures, and plan eligibility.
• Understands and knowledgably communicates on ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, EGTRA, FMLA, USERRA, and other laws that impact benefit and protected administration.
• Ensures employee benefits are in alignment with company policies and procedures and are compliant with legal requirements. Assists in compliance reporting government filings, plan audits, or other tax-reporting requirements.
• Works with Manager to ensure that company meets all federal compliance guidelines
• Creates and implements spreadsheets, databases, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Reconciles benefit vendor billing statements; initiates balance due billing of premiums to leave of absence (LOA) employees. Balances invoices with deduction registers and enrollment records; prepares voucher request for payment and mail to company; resolves complex billing errors.
• Provides assistance to management in the evaluation and internal analysis of benefit programs and related costs; performs research and compiles enrollment and cost data records, includes contacting insurance companies, vendors, and brokers to gather information regarding available plan data or providing vendors or brokers with internal data as required for plan administration.
• Attends meetings and occasionally acts as a committee liaison for the Benefits team on all matters related to Ahtna benefits programs.

Supervision

None

Benefits Analyst II

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business administration, accounting, human resources, or related field (experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis)
• Minimum four (4) years of experience in benefits, payroll, human resources, or related field with at least two (2) years working in benefits and/or payroll administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience working in benefits and/or payroll administration
• Benefits certification (e.g. CEBS)
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures

Shareholder Preference

Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendants, and Spouses in all phases of employment.

Core Competencies

• Working knowledge of benefits and compensation functional units
• Ability to work under limited supervision and take initiative
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong attention to detail in entering and analyzing data
• Proficient oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge in HR information systems, Excel or other spreadsheet applications, and in other MS Office Suite applications (including Outlook)

Physical Demands

Frequent sitting for prolonged periods of time, using hands/fingers requiring dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, reaching with hands and arms for items above and below desk level, talking, hearing, and seeing (up close, at a distance, along the periphery, with depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus); walking from place to place within the office with occasional use of stairs and no elevator available; bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for up to 2 hours; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds such as small office equipment, files, stacks of paper, and other materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job:

Work is performed in an office setting with ability to speak and receive phone communications often. Work requires computer usage with strength, dexterity, coordination and visual acuity to use keyboard and video display terminal and other office equipment. Moderate travel required to shareholder communities, subsidiary offices and other locations as needed.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Experience

• 4 year(s): • Associate’s degree in business administration, accounting, human resources, or related field (experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis) • Minimum four (4) years of experience in benefits, payroll, human resources, or related field with at least two (2) years working in benefits and/or payroll administration

Education

• Associates or better in Business Administration or related field

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)