Benefits Analyst (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Westwood, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager of Benefits Strategy, our Benefits Analyst will be responsible for the research, analysis, evaluation and preparation of reports and documents in support of the Benefits Strategy team. Lead and coordinate annual ERISA plan audits and SOX controls for benefits programs (e.g., 401k Plan, DB pensions, health & welfare retiree trusts), ensuring compliance, strong internal controls, clean audit outcomes, and efficient stakeholder coordination across HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external partners.

Requirements

Knowledge of employee benefits (CEBS certification a plus)
Knowledgeable in Accounting and Financial Systems
Requires effective written and oral communication skills
Ability to use PC desktop applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint))
Strong organizational skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, related discipline, or equivalent experience
Three (3) plus years related experience with exposure to or knowledge of Finance and employee benefits preferred.

Nice To Haves

CEBS certification

Responsibilities

Contributes to the completion of compliance activities including the annual benefit plan audit cycle, review of SOC-1 vendor reports.
Documents, reviews and raises any concerns to key stakeholders.
Serve as primary liaison to external auditors (financial statement and SOC report reviewers), works closely with auditors to provide financial and other data requests.
Coordinate with functional areas to provide data requested by auditors.
Reconcile pension payments and censuses as needed, oversee tie‑outs/reconciliations: census to payroll, payroll to recordkeeper, trust to GL, contributions/forfeitures/plan expenses.
Document and implement new controls when applicable.
Review draft financial statements and footnotes; validate disclosures align with plan document and operations.
Work with external and internal parties to coordinate the documentation needed for 5500 filing (internal reporting, collecting Schedule As and Cs. File 5500 extensions for certain benefit plans).
Drive resolution of audit findings; own remediation plans.
Lead annual SOC 1/SOC 2 report review for all benefits-related vendors; perform complementary user entity controls (CUECs) mapping and evidence capture.
Track bridge letters, penetration test summaries (where applicable), and cyber questionnaires as needed.
Oversee SLAs, operational exceptions, and corrective action plans with vendors/recordkeepers/TPAs.
Keeps current on emerging compliance related trends and requests (SOX, IRS) that could impact HR.
Assistance with benefit plan bill payment approval.
Performs financial and benchmarking analyses for benefits projects.
Perform analysis of claims data as needed.
Rate case analytical support.
Other tasks or project as assigned by Benefits Manager.