Benefits Specialist

About Our Client

The organization operates in the appliance distribution industry, serving professional builders, contractors, remodelers, and consumers. Headquartered in Colorado, it encompasses six companies across more than 35 locations in multiple states. Since 2014, the organization has focused on growth and innovation through a team of appliance and interior experts.

About the Role

The Benefits Specialist plays a key role in managing and supporting employee benefit programs, with a strong focus on 401(k) plan administration, benefits billing, and benefits integration related to acquisitions. This position ensures accurate benefit administration, regulatory compliance, financial controls, and a positive employee experience during periods of organizational growth.

Responsibilities

• Administer the 401(k) retirement plan, including enrollment, eligibility, contributions, loans, distributions, and hardship withdrawals.
• Collaborate with payroll to ensure employee and employer contributions are processed accurately and on time.
• Conduct audits and reconciliations of participant data, contributions, and plan records.
• Liaise with recordkeepers, investment advisors, auditors, and third-party administrators.
• Support nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 preparation, plan audits, and other compliance activities.
• Assist with employee education and retirement planning communications.
• Manage monthly benefits invoicing and reconcile carrier invoices with payroll and enrollment records.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies with vendors, payroll, finance, and employees.
• Develop procedures and controls to improve billing accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare reports and analyses covering benefits expenditures, enrollment trends, and vendor performance.
• Support benefits budget planning and cost forecasting.
• Participate in due diligence activities related to mergers, acquisitions, and integrations.
• Review benefit plans, retirement programs, census data, and vendor agreements during acquisitions.
• Identify compliance risks and benefits integration requirements.
• Coordinate benefit transitions and support post-acquisition harmonization projects.
• Assist with data collection, employee communications, enrollment activities, and HRIS integrations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in benefits administration, including 401(k) plan management.
• Experience with benefits billing, reconciliation, and vendor invoicing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and benefits administration systems.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information.