The Benefits Associate is responsible for the end-to-end administration of core insured and retirement benefits across the EMEA region. This role manages all new enrollments and employee benefit changes throughout the lifecycle, ensuring accurate processing, vendor coordination, payroll integration, and financial reconciliation. The individual will partner closely with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Finance, Accounts Payable, and external vendors to deliver a high‑quality employee benefits experience while maintaining strong operational controls.
Benefits Administration (End-to-End Lifecycle)
- Provide day-to-day administration for core insured benefits across EMEA, including medical, life, disability, and retirement plans and work-life programs.
- Manage all new benefit enrollments and employee changes, including life events, eligibility updates, and terminations, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
- Oversee benefits administration from hire to exit, including ongoing maintenance and annual renewal activities.
- Ensure compliance with country‑specific plan rules, vendor requirements, and internal policies.
- Support annual benefits renewals, audits, and data validation activities.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as a primary point of contact for benefits vendors, insurers, brokers for enrollment and invoice management.
- Coordinate with HR Business Partners to support employee inquiries, escalations, and complex benefit cases.
- Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions, contributions, retroactivity, and reconciliation.
- Liaise with Accounts Payable and Finance to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
Invoice Reconciliation & Financial Oversight
- Perform invoice reconciliation for all benefits vendors, validating charges against enrollments, eligibility, payroll deductions, and contractual terms.
- Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, overcharges, and retroactive adjustments.
- Track invoices, accruals, and payment status; support month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close activities.
- Maintain documentation and controls to support audits and internal financial reviews.
Data, Systems & Reporting
- Maintain accurate benefits data related to new enrollments and changes in HRIS and vendor systems.
- Prepare and reconcile reporting for enrollments, participation, and benefits costs.
- Utilize Microsoft Excel (including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and data validation) for reconciliation and analysis.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through data insights and process enhancements.
Technology & Innovation
- Leverage Microsoft tools (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Power BI as applicable) to manage workflows and reporting.
- Use AI‑enabled tools (e.g., Copilot, Gemini automation, data insights) to increase accuracy, reduce manual effort, and improve operational efficiency.
- Contribute to documentation, standard operating procedures, and benefits process automation efforts.