This Benefits Specialist role supports the HR Benefits Team with health and welfare programs, focusing on leave of absence administration, benefits data, reporting, and billing reconciliation. The specialist will also support retirees, administer spending accounts, process HSA funding, and assist with enrollment changes and general benefits support. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and efficient benefits program administration while serving as a resource for employee support and questions.
Responsibilities
Act as a day-to-day point of contact for employees with questions or concerns about benefits, providing guidance and support with a focus on clear and effective communication
Maintain and manage internal ticketing system with employee inquiries
Administer leave of absence (LOA) processes, including FMLA, ADA, and company-specific leave policies
Coordinate with employees, managers, and third-party administrators to ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies
Track, document, and report on all LOA activity to support HR, payroll, and compliance requirements
Collect, analyze, and maintain benefits data, ensuring data integrity and accuracy across all HR systems
Prepare and distribute regular and ad hoc reports on benefits enrollment, utilization, and trends
Conduct monthly reconciliation of benefits billing, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other benefits plans
Resolve discrepancies by working with vendors, payroll, and finance teams to ensure accurate billing and payments
Maintain detailed records of reconciliations and resolve outstanding issues promptly
Assist with administration of spending accounts, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Coordinate with third party vendor ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and company policies
Process employer contributions for HSAs, monitoring for accuracy and timely funding
Provide benefit support for retirees, including assisting with enrollment, changes, and inquiries
Coordinate with third-party administrators to ensure retirees receive accurate and timely benefits information
Maintain records and documentation related to retiree benefits plans
Assist with administration of the company
401(k) plan, including employee enrollments, contributions, and distributions
Collaborate with vendors to resolve any participant issues and ensure compliance with 401(k) regulations
Support annual audits, compliance testing, and reporting for the 401(k) plan
Requirements
Bachelor
s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
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5+ years of experience in benefits administration, with specific experience in leave of absence, data reporting, billing reconciliation, retirement plans, spending accounts, and COBRA
Strong knowledge of HRIS and benefits administration systems
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data reporting and analysis
Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide exceptional service and support to employees, retirees, and internal teams
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, IRS regulations governing 401(k) plans, FSAs, and HSAs
Experience working with third-party benefits administrators
Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, and other health and welfare regulations
Knowledge of payroll processes related to benefits
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday
136 hours of PTO
7% 401(k) employer match
Tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts
Important Details
This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.
About the Company
GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, the average employee tenure ranges from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support provided.
GEA is one of the largest technology suppliers for food processing and a wide range of other industries.
