Benefits and Payroll Analyst

The Benefits & Payroll Analyst is responsible supporting the administration and analysis of employee benefit programs alongside the Benefits Manager. This role works to ensure benefit enrollments, coverage, deductions and employee pay are accurate and compliant and strives to improve both the employee experience and the efficiency of benefit administration.

The Benefits & Payroll Analyst also provides support to weekly and bi-weekly payrolls serving as back-up to the Payroll Administrator. Works closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, and benefits carrier, vendor and broker partners to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant administration.

Job Responsibilities

Administers and supports employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave-related benefits, and other assigned programs. Works with Benefits Manager to resolve escalated benefits issues employee-service concerns. Monitors weekly electronic file integrations to all benefit providers; resolves discrepancies and makes appropriate changes to prevent errors in the future Partners with carriers, vendors, broker partners, HR, payroll, and Finance to research issues, resolve discrepancies, improve processes, and ensure accurate administration.

Analyzes benefits, payroll, enrollment, claims, cost, utilization, billing, and employee data to identify trends, risks, root causes, and opportunities for improvement. Develops reports, dashboards, summaries, and recommendations to support benefit plan management, renewal planning, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and leadership decision-making.

Supports annual enrollment, new-hire enrollment, qualifying life events, benefit communications, eligibility audits, dependent verification, and related compliance activities. Reconciles benefit vendor invoices, identifies discrepancies, coordinates corrections, and prepares invoices for payment. Provides payroll support, including serving as backup to the payroll administrator, assisting with payroll audits, troubleshooting payroll-related benefit deductions, and supporting accurate payroll processing when needed.

Supports required annual filings and compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA and COBRA. Ensures accurate PTO accruals and balances; works with HR to troubleshoot system errors and provides reporting as needed. Maintains accurate benefits and payroll-related data in HR, benefits, payroll, and vendor systems while protecting confidentiality.

Job Skills Requirements Strong understanding of employee benefits administration, including eligibility, enrollment, claims, billing, vendor coordination, compliance support, and employee issue resolution. Ability to research complex benefits issues, determine root cause, coordinate resolution across multiple parties, and clearly communicate outcomes to employees and internal stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret benefits, payroll, claims, enrollment, billing, and utilization data; identify trends; and make practical recommendations. Working knowledge of HRIS, benefits administration, payroll, reporting, and Microsoft Office tools, including strong Excel capability. Knowledge of payroll systems and processes, including timekeeping, payroll processing procedures, payroll audits, and benefit deduction reconciliation.

Working knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to benefits, payroll, leaves, data privacy, and confidentiality. Excellent attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and time management to support recurring deadlines, escalated issues, and reporting needs. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain benefits and payroll information clearly to employees, leaders, vendors, and internal partners.

Educational Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance or equivalent education and experience required. Experience Requirements Three years of benefits, HR, payroll, or analyst experience required, with benefits administration and data analysis experience strongly preferred. Manufacturing industry experience preferred.

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or related benefits certification preferred. Experience with UKG or Plan. Source highly preferred. MEC participates in the E-Verify program.