Benefits Analyst - Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Under the direction of the Manager of Benefits, the Senior Benefits Analyst will work with the team to implement and support the benefits services, policies and programs for the company.  The Senior Benefits Analyst will be responsible in assisting with the development, implementation, and administration of all corporate employee benefits including Health and Welfare, Defined Pension Plans, Post-Retirement Plan and Defined Contribution Plans, including reporting, auditing and annual testing.  Additional responsibilities to include vendor management and various large and small-scale projects.

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Primary Duties and Responsibilities)

• Research, analyze, evaluate, and administer corporate benefit plans/programs.
• Project manager for Annual Enrollment process to include coordination with vendors, and development of written communications (letters, e-mails, presentations) and scheduling of employee information sessions.
• Assist in research, development, renewal and communication of benefit plans.
• Interpret/review/update benefits policies and procedures to ensure standardization, legal compliance and improved efficiency.
• Maintain positive client relationships assisting internal and external clients with requests and problems and respond promptly. 
• Research and resolve complex benefit issues using multiple systems, tools and resources.
• Prepare and send standard reports on a timely basis to internal and external contacts.
• Act as liaison between carriers and HRIS vendors for benefit support related items.
• Review, transmit and resolve issues with eligibility files for benefit plan vendors.
• Participate in vendor meetings and assessments, including the RFP process.
• Act as a liaison between internal/external auditors and vendors for annual plan audits.
• Review, reconcile, and submit benefit plan invoices, including auditing and reconciling
• Assist in federal, state and government regulatory filings and processes (i.e., 1095/1094-C 5500s, SARs, audits, non-discrimination testing, etc.).
• Prepare retiree binders with non-pension material for new retirees
• Manage retiree medical and direct bill participants
• Participate in creating and presenting training sessions for employees and HR Business Partners.
• Analyze and create presentations around companywide employee surveys

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required with at least four years HR experience including a minimum of two years’ experience administering qualified benefit programs.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, CEBS courses or certification desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Examples below)

• Advanced excel spreadsheet experience required.    
• 401(k) Plan experience required.
• Knowledge of health and welfare benefit administration. 
• In-depth knowledge of benefit compliance and regulations required.
• Exceptional analytic skills and attention to detail a must.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity.
•  Ability to work independently, while providing outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment is a must. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with internal customers
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment                      

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sedentary position.
• Working conditions may include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents (if applicable)
• Overnight travel requirements up to 10%             

Essential Utilities, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Essential Utilities is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).  
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.