HR Benefits Analyst III

Columbia Bank•Medford, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Benefits Analyst III specializes in ensuring the bank has competitive and cost-effective benefits policies and practices, managing day-to-day benefits programs, and designing and delivering benefits solutions and policies in line with the bank's human resources and business strategies. The Benefits Analyst III serves as a senior subject matter expert responsible for complex benefits administration, compliance oversight, system integrations, and risk management. This role provides strategic and technical leadership, supports audits and regulatory initiatives, and influences benefits operations and process design across the organization. Administer employee benefit & welfare programs, Section 125 plans, COBRA administration, Life/Disability plans, voluntary benefit plans and Paid Time Off plans ensuring benefit programs are compliant with company policy and governmental regulations. Manage and recommend actionable insights on compliance reporting, benefit audits, annual testing requirements along with updating and maintaining benefit plan documents. Partner to develop overall Open Enrollment program including timelines, developing marketing materials, and presentations/training. Serve as subject matter expert for assigned benefit programs, including retirement plans, complex compliance areas, and high risk processes. Lead or significantly contribute to audits, compliance testing, and regulatory reporting activities. Design, validate, and oversee benefits data feeds, system integrations, and internal controls. Analyze complex benefits issues and provide recommendations that balance compliance, operational efficiency, and employee experience. Partner with vendors, legal counsel, auditors, and senior leadership on benefits initiatives and issue resolution. Develop, maintain, and enhance policies, procedures, and operational documentation. Lead benefits projects such as system implementations, vendor transitions, and process redesign efforts. Serve as a benefit resource to Columbia employees and family members serving as teams escalation point.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, Required
Bachelor's degree in business or related field, Preferred
6-8 years of experience in employee benefit administration and/or related experience
Demonstrated expert knowledge of federal and state benefit laws and regulations, including COBRA, Section 125, ERISA, HIPPA, and Affordable Care Act Knowledge.
Demonstrated subject matter expertise in testing, configuring and processing benefit transactions in a HRIS system, preferably Workday.
Ability to mentor teammates, manage medium to large project timelines and influence department budget.
Advanced MS Suite knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to train and present to large audiences.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all circumstances.

Responsibilities

Administer employee benefit & welfare programs, Section 125 plans, COBRA administration, Life/Disability plans, voluntary benefit plans and Paid Time Off plans ensuring benefit programs are compliant with company policy and governmental regulations.
Manage and recommend actionable insights on compliance reporting, benefit audits, annual testing requirements along with updating and maintaining benefit plan documents.
Partner to develop overall Open Enrollment program including timelines, developing marketing materials, and presentations/training.
Serve as subject matter expert for assigned benefit programs, including retirement plans, complex compliance areas, and high risk processes.
Lead or significantly contribute to audits, compliance testing, and regulatory reporting activities.
Design, validate, and oversee benefits data feeds, system integrations, and internal controls.
Analyze complex benefits issues and provide recommendations that balance compliance, operational efficiency, and employee experience.
Partner with vendors, legal counsel, auditors, and senior leadership on benefits initiatives and issue resolution.
Develop, maintain, and enhance policies, procedures, and operational documentation.
Lead benefits projects such as system implementations, vendor transitions, and process redesign efforts.
Serve as a benefit resource to Columbia employees and family members serving as teams escalation point.

Benefits

comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans)
a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
an employee assistance program
life insurance
disability insurance
tuition assistance
mental health resources
identity theft protection
legal support
auto and home insurance
pet insurance
access to an online discount marketplace
paid vacation
sick days
volunteer days
holidays