Senior Analyst, Health and Welfare Operations

• Runs bi-weekly or monthly audits for Spending Account programs to ensure contribution accuracy.
• Reviews bi-weekly payroll reports from third-party administrators (TPAs) to ensure accurate contributions to payroll.
• Manages ongoing systems support required to administer plans including ensuring vendors meet Hearst requirements and facilitating support of internal IT and Payroll resources. 
• Investigates and corrects data discrepancies in collaboration with appropriate parties (human resources, payroll, benefit vendors, etc.).
• Identifies gaps in processes and develops new processes or manages ongoing processes to ensure accurate benefit related data. 
• Manages benefit related reporting, audits, and reconciliations.
• Monitors plan limits, eligibility and other restrictions on plan participation to ensure compliance with both plan provisions and government requirements.
• Coordinates the auditing and payment of benefit plan invoices and program membership as well as reports to ensure accurate employee levels and benefit cost liability.
• Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits, and reports necessary or suggested changes to management. Coordinates company benefits, with government sponsored programs.
• Creates and follows processes to keep data confidential in compliance with HIPAA and internal security.
• Performs system testing and quality assurance of new products and benefit programs, including Annual Enrollment testing. 
• Supports other projects at the discretion of the Director or Manager.

Required Competencies and Skills

• Strong analytical knowledge of data-analysis and problem solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize workload.
• Ability to think critically and creatively when reviewing processes and workflows.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Strong time management skills, having the ability  to manage and prioritize multiple projects and work effectively with minimal direction and supervision.
• Works effectively with and encourages teamwork among all members of the Benefits team and internal resources to provide quality benefits administration services to our employees and to accomplish department goals.
• Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence, and teamwork to provide the highest quality service to employees, dependents, co-workers, and others.
• Must possess excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in order to interact effectively with and establish rapport with all levels of management and employees.
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality relating to employee and business unit information.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in business administration, human resources, or related field required (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum of four (4) years experience in benefits related field, preferably in an analyst capacity.
• Knowledge of project management and quality improvement principles.
• Knowledge of basic financial principles.
• Strong practical knowledge of employee benefits programs and related regulatory statutes (ERISA, federal and state regulations), in order to maintain compliance and provide guidance to the Benefits Team.
• Personal computer proficiency including Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Advanced Excel skills including but not limited to VLookup, HLookup, Pivot tables, Concatenate functions.
• Strong knowledge of human capital and benefits management systems and report generation.

The candidate must be within commuting distance of Charlotte, NC. This hybrid role requires a minimum of three days on-site per week.

Hearst is one of the nation’s largest global, diversified information, services and media companies.

Hearst has been innovating for more than a century, leading with purpose, integrity and a culture of care, with a mission to inform audiences and improve lives.

The company’s diverse portfolio includes global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of me