Senior Analyst, Global Benefits Financial Reporting

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP•New York, NY

4d•$150,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Simpson Thacher offers a broad portfolio of benefits and wellness programs that are designed to attract and retain top talent across 14 locations in the US, Europe, and Asia. As the Senior Analyst, Global Benefits Financial Reporting, you will serve as the financial and operational anchor for these programs—driving financial accuracy, accountability, and seamless execution across a complex international landscape. In this role, you will drive exceptional global benefits finance operations through your budgeting and forecasting expertise for the Firm’s benefits plans, vendor accounting, and expenditure management of ~$60m+ per year. Furthermore, this role will closely partner with the Firm’s Finance department to deliver timely reporting to both internal and external stakeholders. This is a high-impact role that will require precise accounting for the Firm’s Human Resources and Benefits Program budgets; K‑1 filings for Partners; US payroll benefits withholding; and the financial account management of 30+ benefits and insurance plan vendor partners worldwide.

Requirements

7 or more years of relevant experience required
Advanced skills in MS Office Suite including experience with Macros, Pivot Tables/Charts, & VLookups
Familiarity with accounting applications and tools (e.g., Accelerate, Chrome River)
Ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing; can consolidate data from multiple resources into cohesive reports for executive stakeholders
Strong math aptitude
Strong attention to detail
Deep analytical skills with ability to identify trends in benefit plan utilization
Can organize, prioritize, plan and multi-task work activities in a fast paced, dynamic environment
Client-focused with the ability to provide customer service in a professional manner

Nice To Haves

Certification in Benefits including CEBS, or other recognized designation preferred
HRIS, Payroll, and Vendor reporting databases: Workday, ADP Payroll (Vantage), Vendor Client Reporting (i.e., UHC eServices, Fidelity PSW)

Responsibilities

Annual Budget Preparation & Tracking: In partnership with Finance, external consultants, and vendors, prepare Annual Benefits Program Budget. This includes projecting health, insurance, and retirement plan expenses; reviewing budget vs. actuals; evaluating impacts of medical trend, premium changes, and headcount changes; and reviewing administrative expenses, among other things.
Prepare annual Human Resources Budget, partnering with HR Directors to identify expenses for Talent Acquisition, HR Technology & Analytics, Learning & Development, and HR Compliance and Operations.
Conduct quarterly analysis of actual spend v. budget and prepare forecast/reforecast reports to executive stakeholders, as needed.
Present findings to Chief Human Resources Officer and other internal stakeholders as needed.
Benefits Program Accounting: Track Global Partner departures, arrivals, and adjustments that may impact benefits withholdings for K-1 Statements.
Conduct monthly audits in partnership with Accounts Payable and Accounting teams to reconcile general ledger entries vs. monthly invoice charges.
Approve invoices, premium payments, and contributions for benefit plans; reviewing expenses for accuracy, but more importantly, identifying expense trends or gaps.
Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for finance related processes.
Evaluate and revise existing internal processes to improve controls, increase efficiency and/or reduce costs.
Champion the use of technology and identify opportunities to leverage technology as a way to standardize and improve data quality.
Compliance Support for the Benefits Function: Conduct monthly audits with Payroll team and Associate Director, Benefits to review and audit 401(k) contributions, loan deferrals, and election changes.
Manage accuracy of Firm/employee contributions for the Health Savings Account (HSAs) and other spending accounts.
Support retirement team with Form 5500 audit and filings; identify efficiency opportunities where applicable.
Liaise with and manage 30+ vendor partner billing and accounting teams to ensure the Firm’s accounts remain in good standing.
Perform other duties as assigned.