Benefits Strategist

IAT Insurance Group has an immediate opening for a Benefits Strategist located in Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, NC, or Alpharetta, GA.  This role plays a key part in managing and enhancing the organization’s benefits programs. The position is responsible for administering and communicating benefits offerings, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all processes. In addition, the role provides system administration support for benefits platforms and leads various benefits-related projects. The individual will research and evaluate best practices in the external market, delivering analytical insights to inform strategic HR decisions. Success in this role requires the ability to think strategically while effectively executing day-to-day operational tasks.  This role works a hybrid schedule Monday through Wednesday, with the option of working Thursday and Friday remotely.

Responsibilities:

• Administers all employee benefit programs, including: medical, dental, disability, life insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement, service awards, fitness reimbursements, charitable donations and other plans

• Enrolls and terminates participants in various benefit plans ensuring timely and accurate system enrollment/terminations. Maintains employee benefits electronic enrollment files.

• Assists HRIS Analyst with system set-up and updates to benefit plans and deduction codes.

• Acts as a liaison with benefit vendors to resolve enrollment and claims issues.

• Leads the external annual external audit of all retirement and health plans in preparation for the 5500 filing.

• Leads benefit internal audits monthly, quarterly and annually post open enrollment to ensure data accuracy in HRIS as well as data accuracy with vendor systems which includes enrollment audits, missing beneficiary forms and dependent social security numbers.

• Responds to employee inquiries and assists with the design and implementation of employee benefit communications and monthly HR newsletter.

• Ensure benefit packets, relevant benefit information in the employee handbook, and other published benefits tools, is updated and accurate.

• Assists with plan renewals, RFP’s and evaluation of total benefits package.

• Conducts appropriate employee training, to include Benefits New Hire and Open Enrollment Training and related system training.

• Works with HR Business Partners and Payroll to administer all FMLA and Leave of Absence requests to ensure consistent and compliant communications and accuracy of pay while the employee is on a leave or returning from a leave of absence.

• Administers the termination process involving COBRA administration, preparing Issue Trackers and Preparation of Termination Packages.

• Prepares monthly billing reconciliation based on health and welfare enrollment and as well as claims reconciliation summary for accounting purposes and payment of vendor ASO and premium fees.

• Completes various regulatory reporting as delegated – State mandated BLS, EEOC-1, Officer Report, etc.

• Oversees Wellness program and serves as back-up to primary owner (Coordination Flu Clinics, Biometric Screenings, Health Fairs, CPR First Aid Training, and Retirement Planning Workshops)

• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

Must-Have:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of related experience or equivalent.

• Equivalent is defined as 12 years of relevant experience.

• Relevant experience includes the following:        

  • Benefits Administration – Health and Welfare and Retirement Plans

  • Benefits Communication

  • Benefits Plan Design

  • Absence Management

  • Project Management

  • Vendor Management

  • Financial Acumen and Data Analysis

  • Proficiency with HRIS systems

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to partner and collaborate with HR peers and business stakeholders.

• Advanced problem-solving skills required to research, analyze and troubleshoot data, process and workflow issues and the initiative to take action and bring issues to the forefront.

• To qualify, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require VISA sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment purposes.

Preferred to Have:

• Workday experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.

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IAT Insurance Group is the largest private, family-owned property and casualty insurer in the U.S. Insurance Answers Together® is how we define IAT, in letter and in spirit. We work together to provide solutions for people and businesses. We collaborate internally and with our partners to provide the best possible insurance and surety options for our customers.

At IAT, we’re committed to driving and building an open and supportive culture for all. Our employees propel IAT forward – driving innovation, stable partnerships and growth. That’s why we continue to build an engaging workplace culture to attract and retain the best talent.

We offer comprehensive benefits like:

• 26 PTO Days (Entry Level) + 12 Company Holidays = 38 Paid Days Off
• 7% 401(k) Company Match and additional Profit Sharing
• Hybrid work environment
• Numerous training and development opportunities to assist you in furthering your career
• Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses
• College Loan Assistance Support Plan
• Educational Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Dress for Your Day Policy

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.