US Benefits Specialist

Purpose of the role

The U.S. Benefits Specialist oversees the administration, accuracy, and financial integrity of all employee benefit programs across the United States. This role manages the full benefits lifecycle — including enrolment, billing, payments, and reconciliation — while ensuring compliance with company policies and federal, state, and local regulations.

Benefits Administration & Employee Support

• Manage day-to-day administration of U.S. benefit programs, including health, welfare, and retirement plans.
• Cook up all U.S. leave programs (FMLA, state leave, ADA, parental, military) in partnership with the U.S. Head of HR.
• Act as the primary contact for employee benefit and leave questions, ensuring clear guidance, timely updates, and a positive employee experience.
• Deliver easy-to-understand benefits communications and lead annual open enrolment activities.
• Partner with HR leaders to promote total rewards and drive employee engagement.
• Maintain accurate benefit data across HRIS and vendor systems, including new hire, life event, and COBRA processing.

Invoice & Financial Coordination

• Review and validate monthly benefit invoices.
• Cook timely payment with Finance and maintain complete audit documentation.

Reconciliation & Reporting

• Perform regular reconciliations of eligibility, enrolment, payroll, and vendor billing data.
• Resolve discrepancies and prepare reports highlighting trends or variances.

Vendor Partnership

• Work closely with benefit vendors and brokers to resolve issues and ensure service quality.
• Support annual renewals and provide required data and documentation.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with U.S. benefits regulations (ACA, COBRA, ERISA) and federal, state, and local leave laws.
• Maintain accurate records and support internal and external audits.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline benefit processes and enhance employee experience.
• Support system updates, new program rollouts, and maintain up-to-date SOPs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• 5+ years of U.S. benefits administration experience
• Solid understanding of U.S. benefits programs and compliance requirements
• Experience reviewing invoices and completing benefits-related financial reconciliations
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms (Employee Navigator a plus)
• Strong analytical skills with experience performing benefit and financial reconciliations
• High attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organization and time-management abilities
• Collaborative mindset with experience partnering across HR, Payroll, and Finance
• Clear communicator with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion