Benefits Analyst Sample Job Descriptions

What Does a Benefits Analyst Do?

A benefits analyst is a human resources professional who administers and analyzes employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and paid leave. Their work ensures that benefit offerings align with organizational goals, meet regulatory standards, and support employee satisfaction and retention.

Benefits analysts work closely with HR teams, benefits providers, brokers, and legal counsel to manage enrollments, resolve claims issues, analyze plan performance, and prepare compliance reports. They also serve as a point of contact for employee questions and play a key role during open enrollment periods and plan renewals.

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Benefits Analyst Core Responsibilities

  • Administer and maintain employee benefits programs (e.g., health, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA)
  • Support annual open enrollment, new hire onboarding, and qualifying life event changes
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, and ACA
  • Analyze benefits utilization data to inform plan design or cost-saving strategies
  • Collaborate with third-party vendors, insurance carriers, and brokers
  • Answer employee inquiries and explain benefits options and procedures
  • Audit enrollment records, invoices, and contribution data for accuracy
  • Assist in benefits communications and policy documentation

Required Skills and Qualifications

Hard skills

  • Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Oracle) and Microsoft Excel
  • Knowledge of employee benefits laws and compliance requirements
  • Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities
  • Experience preparing reports and tracking benefits metrics

Soft skills

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
  • Clear, empathetic communication with employees and vendors
  • Discretion in handling confidential health and compensation data
  • Ability to manage deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced environment

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or related field

Certifications

  • Not required, but Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar credentials are preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience in employee benefits or HR administration
  • Experience with benefits audits, compliance filings, or vendor management
  • Familiarity with leave administration (FMLA, ADA, short-term disability)
  • Participation in wellness program strategy or implementation
  • Exposure to mergers, acquisitions, or benefit transitions

National Average Salary

Benefits analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

The average national salary for a Benefits Analyst is:

$62,875

Sample Job Description Templates for Benefits Analysts

Entry-Level Benefits Analyst

Position Overview

An entry-level benefits analyst supports the administration and evaluation of employee benefits programs, assisting with daily operations, enrollments, and employee communications. This role provides foundational experience in HR and benefits functions.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations
  • Maintain accurate employee benefits records in HRIS
  • Respond to employee inquiries and escalate complex issues
  • Help audit benefits invoices and verify data accuracy
  • Support open enrollment logistics and benefits orientations

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Basic understanding of benefits programs and HR systems
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data entry

Soft skills

  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Professional communication and teamwork

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field

Certifications

  • None required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Internship or administrative experience in HR or finance
  • Familiarity with benefit-related regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ACA)

Mid-Level Benefits Analyst

Position Overview

A mid-level benefits analyst manages day-to-day operations of employee benefits, analyzes utilization trends, and provides subject matter support to HR partners and employees.

Responsibilities

  • Administer health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
  • Analyze plan usage, identify cost-saving opportunities, and prepare reports
  • Coordinate with vendors and brokers to resolve issues
  • Support compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA
  • Assist with wellness initiatives and benefits education campaigns

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Intermediate knowledge of HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, Workday)
  • Ability to interpret and apply benefits regulations

Soft skills

  • Analytical thinking and process improvement mindset
  • Strong written and verbal communication

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or finance

Certifications

  • CEBS or benefits administration coursework preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2+ years in HR or benefits-specific roles
  • Experience with plan renewals or vendor management

Senior Benefits Analyst

Position Overview

A senior benefits analyst leads strategic analysis and administration of benefits programs, ensuring legal compliance and optimizing offerings for cost and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

  • Lead open enrollment, renewal negotiations, and benefits communications
  • Audit plan data, manage reporting, and oversee compliance filings (5500s)
  • Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues
  • Collaborate with finance and legal on policy development
  • Evaluate benefits benchmarks and propose plan enhancements

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Expert-level benefits compliance and plan design knowledge
  • Advanced Excel and data analysis/reporting skills

Soft skills

  • Strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration
  • High attention to confidentiality and accuracy

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in business or HR; master’s preferred

Certifications

  • CEBS strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in benefits roles
  • Involvement in M&A, wellness strategy, or global plan harmonization

Health & Wellness Benefits Analyst

Position Overview

This specialized analyst focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of employee health and wellness programs, aiming to improve workforce health outcomes and manage healthcare costs.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage wellness programs, incentives, and communications
  • Analyze health plan data and trends to inform strategies
  • Partner with vendors on health screenings, EAPs, and wellness platforms
  • Measure program ROI and employee engagement
  • Align wellness offerings with DEI and corporate health goals

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Experience with wellness program design and healthcare analytics
  • Familiarity with health regulations and insurance terminology

Soft skills

  • Passion for wellness and employee engagement
  • Creative communication and program management

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in public health, HR, or a related field

Certifications

  • Wellness certification (e.g., CWWS) is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3+ years in wellness, benefits, or healthcare HR roles
  • Experience with biometric screenings or corporate fitness programs

Compliance-Focused Benefits Analyst

Position Overview

A compliance-focused analyst ensures benefits programs align with all applicable laws and prepares documentation for audits, filings, and internal policy reviews.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct regular audits of benefits plans and documentation
  • Prepare and submit compliance filings (e.g., 5500s, ACA reports)
  • Monitor legal updates and adjust policies accordingly
  • Maintain SOPs and ensure vendor adherence to regulatory standards
  • Support internal and external audits

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Deep knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and IRS guidelines
  • Proficiency with compliance systems and data tracking

Soft skills

  • Meticulous and highly detail-oriented
  • Comfortable communicating regulatory changes across teams

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, legal studies, or compliance

Certifications

  • CEBS or SHRM-CP preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • 4+ years in HR or benefits compliance roles
  • Experience with third-party audits or regulatory inquiries

Global Benefits Analyst

Position Overview

A global benefits analyst supports international benefits programs, ensuring compliance with country-specific regulations and aligning offerings with global HR strategy.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate benefits offerings across international locations
  • Research local market practices and statutory benefits
  • Liaise with global vendors and brokers to ensure compliance and service delivery
  • Translate and localize benefits communications
  • Track global benefits costs and benchmark plans regionally

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Familiarity with global benefits practices and compliance standards
  • Ability to analyze multinational cost data and policies

Soft skills

  • Cross-cultural communication and adaptability
  • Organized, proactive, and deadline-driven

Educational requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, international business, or related field

Certifications

  • Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) or similar preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting benefits in EMEA, APAC, or LATAM regions
  • Proficiency in a second language

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