Benefits Specialist III

DeSanti • Full-time • Pasadena, CA, US • 10h ago

Position Overview

We’re looking for a detail-driven Benefits Specialist III to support the administration and financial accuracy of the client's employee healthcare programs. This role partners closely with Benefits, Payroll, Finance, HRIS, and external vendors to ensure payroll deductions and premium payments are correct and compliant.

This person will also play an important role in configuring and optimizing the benefits system for Annual Open Enrollment, helping create a smooth and user-friendly experience for employees. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, follow-through, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze benefits data before and after Open Enrollment and contribute to plan review discussions, including system impact of plan changes
Lead the employee premium reconciliation process in partnership with Payroll and Finance, ensuring accurate payroll deductions and adjustments
Prepare and provide documentation to internal and external auditors as needed
Validate and coordinate accurate premium payments with healthcare vendors and resolve billing discrepancies
Respond to employee questions related to benefit payroll deductions
Support configuration, testing, and enhancements within the benefits platform (Workday experience is highly valued)
Collaborate with Benefits leadership and Total Rewards teams on projects such as Open Enrollment, process improvements, and wellness initiatives
Facilitate and participate in meetings, workshops, and cross-functional discussions
Contribute to HR process improvement and cross-department initiatives
Develop reporting and insights related to wellness participation, engagement, and trends
Act as a point of escalation for complex employee benefits and wellness inquiries
Work with HR, Communications, and vendors to deliver benefits and wellness campaigns and educational materials
Create clear, employee-friendly benefits communications

What We’re Looking For

Hands-on experience with benefits administration and benefits systems (Workday preferred)
Solid understanding of group health premium reconciliation processes
Strong Excel and data analysis skills
Experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, and ad hoc reporting
High attention to detail with a data-driven mindset
Comfortable collaborating across HR, Finance, and vendor partners

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 5–6 years of experience in Benefits Administration
OR Master’s degree with 4 years of related experience
OR PhD with 2 years of related experience
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
Ability to interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and improve processes
Knowledge of HRIS systems and system testing or configuration support
Excellent organization and time-management skills
Strong written and verbal communication abilities
Ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively with all levels of staff
Team-oriented with the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences

Nice to Have