International

Benefits Specialist

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, South Africa

Job Summary: 

The Benefits Specialist serves within the Payroll & Benefits Department and is responsible for the administration, compliance, and operational management of all employee benefit programs, leave administration, regulatory reporting, and workers’ compensation processes.

 This position also functions as a key payroll support partner and cross-trained backup to payroll operations. As payroll volume continues to grow, this role will serve as a secondary administrator and operational assistant to payroll, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and compliance in payroll processes.

 The Benefits Specialist works closely with the HR Director, Payroll and Benefits Manager, payroll personnel, insurance brokers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and external vendors to ensure accurate plan administration, regulatory compliance, payroll integration, and timely employee communication.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

  • Administer employer-sponsored benefit programs including:
  • Group health, dental, and vision plans
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), if applicable
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Supplementary/voluntary benefits
  • Maintain accurate employee census data and eligibility tracking.
  • Manage new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and benefit terminations.
  • Coordinate directly with insurance brokers, TPAs, carriers, and retirement vendors.
  • Communicate benefit eligibility milestones (e.g., eligibility start dates).
  • Track, reconcile, and audit benefit payroll deductions.
  • Resolve deduction discrepancies and shortfalls in partnership with payroll.
  • Process benefit terminations and coordinate COBRA notifications.
  • Maintain documentation to support audit readiness.

 

Open Enrollment

  • Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution.
  • Prepare and distribute employee communications and educational materials.
  • Coordinate system configuration and vendor updates.
  • Audit enrollment elections and post-enrollment payroll deductions for accuracy.

 

Retirement Plan Administration

  • Manage 401(k) plan operations including:
  • Deferral reporting and contribution reconciliation
  • Loan processing and repayment tracking
  • Rollovers, withdrawals, and hardship requests
  • Assist in preparation of annual Form 5500 questionnaires and compliance documentation.
  • Coordinate annual ADP/ACP testing and required corrective actions.
  • Ensure ERISA compliance and documentation standards.

 

 ACA & Regulatory Compliance

  • Manage ACA eligibility tracking and measurement periods.
  • Review and audit 1095-C forms prior to distribution.
  • Maintain compliance with federal and state benefit regulations.
  • Prepare documentation for audits or carrier reviews.

 

Leave Administration

  • Administer and track federal, state, and company leave programs including:
  • FMLA
  • Colorado FAMLI
  • Paid Pregnancy Disability Leave (PPDL)
  • Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
  • Other applicable state leave programs
  • Review medical certifications and eligibility documentation.
  • Coordinate benefit continuation and payroll impact during leave.
  • Track return-to-work documentation and ensure compliance.

 

Workers’ Compensation & OSHA

  • Manage work-related incident reporting and documentation.
  • Coordinate occupational medical provider referrals.
  • File and monitor Workers’ Compensation claims.
  • Track work restrictions and return-to-work clearances.
  • Maintain OSHA 300/301/300A logs and reporting requirements.

 

Payroll Support & Cross-Training Responsibilities

  • Serve as designated backup for payroll processing functions.
  • Become fully cross-trained and fluent in payroll systems, processes, and procedures.
  • Assist with payroll preparation tasks including:
  • Deduction audits
  • Benefits-to-payroll reconciliation
  • Leave pay tracking
  • Garnishment coordination (as assigned)
  • Support payroll compliance with federal and state wage and hour regulations.
  • Assist in multi-state payroll considerations.
  • Maintain payroll confidentiality and data integrity standards.
  • Provide operational continuity in the event of payroll absence or transition.
  • Partner proactively to improve payroll accuracy, workflow efficiency, and documentation standards.

 

Employee Support & Department Collaboration

  • Serve as subject matter expert for benefit-related inquiries.
  • Provide benefits and payroll education support to employees.
  • Support HR Director in audits, reporting, and strategic initiatives.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality in all payroll and employee matters.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of benefits administration and payroll integration.
  • Working knowledge of ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, OSHA, and multi-state leave laws.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws.
  • Strong analytical and reconciliation skills.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a high-volume environment.
  • Excellent communication and employee service skills.
  • High degree of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
  • Ability to function effectively in a growing and evolving organization.

 

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in benefits administration required.
  • Payroll processing experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience with multi-state payroll and leave administration preferred.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


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