Benefits Analyst

at  CBRE

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Canadian Benefits, the Benefits Analyst will provide analytical and technical support in the delivery of benefit programs to ensure smooth administration of group plans in Canada. Manages assigned projects, engaging internal and external resources to ensure timely completion. Serves as subject matter expert for administration and governance of health, welfare, and retirement plans. This position will be located at our Canadian headquarters at 145 King Street West, Toronto, ON. Currently we support a hybrid work model with flexibility for both remote and in-office work based on our needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Post-secondary education with a preference for Human Resources and/or Financial related courses or equivalent work experience. Minimum of 3 years’ experience in group benefit, absence, pension and retirement plan administration. Exceptional customer focus. Dedicated team player, who demonstrates initiative and independence. Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments. Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations. Demonstrated vendor management skills. Experience working for a health care carrier, consulting firm or insurance company is a plus. PeopleSoft experience is strongly preferred. Excellent English oral/written communication skills are required; French skills are a plus but not required. Must always demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Possess ability to build collaborative relationships with teammates, third party vendors, HR business partners and all levels of employees. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse culture, including peers, management staff at corporate and in the field. Demonstrated ability to develop, present, and monitor analytical business cases and project plans.

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE

Ability to calculate intermediate figures such as benefit premiums, payroll benefit contributions, etc. Conducts basic financial analysis.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills essential (e.g., pivot tables and V-lookup). Effective data management skills, i.e., process orientation and attention to detail. Knowledge of pertinent federal and provincial regulations, filing and compliance requirements both adopted; and pending affecting employee benefit programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the administration of the health/welfare benefit plans and retirement/pension plans in accordance with plan documents, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), federal and provincial laws; including the interpretation of benefit programs and procedures for all plans.
Administers the Leaves of Absence Program and coordinates with payroll to process bi-weekly payments.
Supports compliance with applicable government regulations by monitoring new requirements and recommending process changes.
Assists with open enrollment preparation and administration of all new or revised benefit programs.
Monitors and audits benefit enrollment data.
Prepares premium reconciliations and processes 3rd party payments (e.g., group insurance, RRSP, pension contributions, etc.); reports monthly headcount and cost information as needed. Analyzes payroll files and carrier files to ensure accuracy. Performs testing as required.
Manages the flow of vendor files to ensure that files are sent, received, and loaded on a timely basis. Collaborates with internal HRIS/IT contacts and external vendors to ensure accurate and efficient benefit interfaces.
Prepares regular benefit reports extracting data from the database. Identifies and resolves data discrepancies.
Provides customer service support to internal and external customers.
Conducts presentations using audiovisual tools including PowerPoint and videos, including assistance with new hire orientation and training.
Assists with writing communications to employees, technical plan documents and summary plan descriptions.
Participates in meetings with IT and benefit plan partners meetings. Identifies, suggests, and implements ongoing process improvements.
Cross trained to back up Benefits Manager and Benefits Administrator as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No formal supervisory responsibilities in this position. Provides informal assistance, such as technical guidance, and/or training to coworkers. May coordinate and assign tasks to co-workers within a work unit and/or project.