Posting Summary:
The Office of Human Resources at Teachers College, Columbia University is seeking a Benefits Analyst to join our team. This role has accountability for the administration of employee benefits and management of the benefits system including analysis, configuration, and data integrity.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Reporting to the Director, Compensation and Benefits and working along-side the HRIS team, incumbent will report on, analyze, and audit the College's benefit plans and programs, manage and maintain the benefits system and provide tier 1 customer support to employees.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

System design, configuration and reporting

• Utilize internal systems to run queries and format reports related to benefits (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly basis, required government reports, etc.).
• Ensure accuracy of data through routine data audits and validation to identify discrepancies and missing data; advises appropriate HR staff of corrections as needed.
• Provide recommendations for new reports as organizational goals change.
• Produce complex ad-hoc reports and HR dashboards to automate data delivery where possible.
• Construct reports that support strategies to automate processes as well as identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in identifying new HR needs and the software products to fulfill these needs.
• Provide technical and functional support for production systems, schedules and plans system upgrades, patches, testing and other technical projects for HR systems.
• Maintains the confidentiality and security of data accessed during the course of daily activities.
• Develop & maintain HR systems training documents.
• Maintain accuracy and update the HR Benefits webpage and the Benefits Management BenefitFocus platform as necessary.
• Support cyclical benefits activities including but not limited to open enrollment, rate updates, ACA reporting etc.
• Ensure data integrity and security for all systems.

Collaboration

• Participate actively in cross-functional and related project initiatives to ensure proposed updates and changes to business processes consider the impact, scope and other considerations for the benefits function.
• Lead HR benefits application development and system conversion/migration projects
• Build and maintain strong partnerships and collaborate with the team, key business partners
• Collaborate and participate in compensation related projects.

Vendor Management 

• Process benefits invoices for payment. These include monthly invoice for medical, dental, vision COBRA, Commuter Program fees, HSA Plan fees, life insurance, Long Term Disability, and EAP
• Ensure prompt funding of weekly FSA payments and HSA contributions on a per paycheck basis
• Responsible for all benefits-related data file remittances and reconciliations.
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues with insurance carriers and with related vendors.

Employee Support 

• Conduct New Hire Orientations for all employee classifications, including coordinating and hosting educational bi-weekly benefits walk-in sessions.
• Provide support to employees on all health & welfare programs.
• Primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding 403b, pension and financial audit requests, and provide requested support
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent of at least three years of experience in Benefits, HR or Payroll that includes completing various data reports and requests
• Thorough knowledge of MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint with the ability to learn and adapt to web based technology
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a demanding work environment
• Ability to work independently and interact collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with the ability to draw valid conclusions, formulate sound recommendations
• Proficient in conducting 403b, pension and financial audits
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to communicate with poise and tact in a positive and effective manner with students, faculty, and staff in a diverse environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with an HRMS such as PeopleSoft or Lawson, and/or Banner HR
• Previous exposure to project-related activities through active participation in system-related projects

Salary Range:

$77,000 - $89,000

About Teachers College, Columbia University

Teachers College, Columbia University, is the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States, and also perennially ranked among the nation's best. Its name notwithstanding, the College is committed to a vision of education writ large, encompassing our four core areas of expertise: health, education, leadership and psychology.

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