Benefits Administration Specialist

We have an opening for a Benefits Administration Specialist who will focus on the technical and administrative areas of benefits programs, processing enrollments and ensuring compliance. A strong customer focus and a sense of urgency is important combined with the following responsibilities:                  

• Administration: Oversee benefits administration and enrollment for 1250 employees in coordination with Regional Human Resources Generalists in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Oversee benefits changes and claims for health, life, accident and disability insurances; facilitate daily operation of the 401(k) Plan co-facilitating transactional coordination and annual audits.  


• Guidance: Act as a benefits resource to employees, providing information and support for our benefits programs. Educate and inform employees on benefits options during Onboarding, Open Enrollment, and throughout the year. Provide guidance to beneficiaries for Cobra, Life and Accident claims, Long Term Disability claims and 401(k) account transfers.


• HRIS/Data Management: Manage UKG system benefits modules, business rules and data tables that drive benefits including eligibility, enrollment, payroll deductions and interface files according to regulations and plan terms. Ensure the accurate entry of data into UKG system, either manually or through uploads.  Build and run reports in UKG system.  Use UKG and vendor system reporting tools to conduct analysis and keep data synchronized between HGI and vendors.  Administer interface files between HGI and vendors for successful transmissions and correction of data rejections.  


• Open Enrollment: Lead annual benefits open enrollment, including preparation meetings with plan providers and consultants; preparation and dissemination of communications; making UKG system updates and interface file changes for the new year; and reviewing new elections for accurate payroll deductions.


• Payroll Coordination: Coordinate with our Payroll team to ensure timely and accurate execution of benefits deductions, including missed benefits payments, benefit refunds, and 401(k) contributions and loans.


• Compliance: In coordination with the Corporate Human Resources Manager, ensures plans are administered in accordance with plan documents and governing regulations (such as IRS, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, Secure 2.0, etc.) oversees annual filings and audits. Ensures compliance including government filings and required participant disclosures (form 5500’s, SARs, SPDs. ACA reporting, COBRA notifications). Process and track monthly invoicing and payments for all benefits plans.

Personal Attributes, Experience, and Education:

• An undergraduate degree and 3 to 5 years of related experience or related equivalent is necessary.


• Strong Excel knowledge (intermediate to advanced).


• SHRM certification is a plus.


• Solid working knowledge of State and Federal compensation and benefit rules and regulations including HIPAA and ERISA.


• Strategic approach to problem solving and decision making, demonstrated analytical reasoning, data review and time management skills.


• Ability to accurately manage assignments and reporting requests, ensuring priorities are set and deadlines are met, with minimal direction and supervision.


• Success as a skilled communicator for effectively communicating benefits programs.


• Passion for providing excellent customer service, and an interest in developing companywide communication strategies in support of benefits programs.


• Some travel to branch locations expected.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes competitive salary from $75,100 to $91,700, health benefits, vacation, sick leave, life insurance, and 401(k) with profit sharing and company match. For more information about Harnish Group Inc., please visit our web site at www.NCMachinery.com.