Senior Benefits & Retirement Specialist

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive retirement plan documentation while ensuring compliance with STRS and PERS regulations and reporting requirements
• Act as the primary liaison for clients with County Offices of Education, CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System) and CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System).
• Respond to escalated STRS and PERS issues, interpreting and applying relevant laws, rules, and policies to resolve reporting discrepancies.
• Audit, process, reconcile, and correct STRS, PERS, and benefit contributions, collaborating with the Payroll and Accounting teams to ensure accuracy.
• Enter and update CalPERS contributions in the CalPERS system as applicable.
• Monitor and manage CalSTRS and CROWE audits, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Upload F496 files to SEW, correct errors in Macro text files, and submit required reports to CalSTRS and County Offices of Education.
• Stay updated on compensation limit changes and notify clients accordingly.
• Research STRS membership type for all new hires and ensure accurate enrollment.
• Manage open enrollment processes for clients, including rate updates, employee enrollments, terminations, and plan changes.
• Enter and update new benefit rates and plan information in the system, ensuring accuracy before open enrollment.
• Assist clients and employees with benefits-related inquiries, including eligibility, enrollments, and coverage options.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers to resolve enrollment and billing issues.
• Work closely with Payroll and HR teams to ensure seamless benefits deductions and compliance with benefits regulations.
• Generate reports and maintain records related to benefits and retirement enrollments.
• Provide guidance to Payroll Specialists on benefits deductions and retirement reporting.
• Assist with new hire processing, employee changes, and payroll-related benefits deductions as needed.
• Communicate with clients regarding missing documents, benefit elections, and compliance updates.
• Support the Payroll Team by running reports and assisting with benefits-related payroll entries.
• Conduct training sessions for internal staff on retirement and benefits best practices.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, human resources, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in retirement plan administration, benefits administration, or payroll processing.
• Strong understanding of CalSTRS, CalPERS, and 403(b) retirement plans.
• Experience with employee benefits administration, open enrollment, and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (intermediate/advanced level required).
• Ability to analyze data, solve non-routine problems, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in payroll processing systems such as Paycor, ADP, UKG, Paylocity, Frontline, or Paychex is a plus
• Experience with Sage Intacct / Abila Non-Profit Accounting is a plus
• Knowledge of non-profit and charter school payroll compliance is a plus

What's in it for You?

• As a remote-first organization, we embrace flexibility and collaboration across teams. To support your success, we provide a company-issued laptop along with essential accessories, including a mouse, keyboard, and monitor, to help you create a productive remote workspace.
• Opportunities to connect: Engage in frequent virtual and in-person team-building events.
• Incredible colleagues: Work alongside a passionate team making a real impact.
• Competitive compensation & benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) with company match-and much more!
• Generous paid time off: Receive 11 paid company holidays and a winter break from Christmas Day through New Year's Day.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program: Earn a bonus for successful referrals.