Specialist, benefits administration

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Specialist, Benefits Administration to support the operational execution and administration of our employee benefits programs. This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of health and welfare benefits, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, vendor coordination, employee support and collaboration with HRIS on Workday configuration.

The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of benefits operations, including ACA compliance, assist HRIS in open enrollment design and administration in Workday, Form 5500 filings, and day-to-day benefits processing and reconciliation. This role partners closely with Payroll, Finance, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver a seamless employee experience and maintain operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administer and support core health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, FSA, and related offerings.
• In participation with HRIS, design, configure, test, and maintain open enrollment processes in Workday, including eligibility rules, plan setup, event configuration, and employee communications support.
• Support ACA compliance activities, including eligibility tracking, data validation, reporting support, and coordination of audit and filing requirements.
• Support Form 5500 filings and related annual reporting activities, including data gathering, coordination with vendors and auditors, and review of supporting documentation.
• Administer life insurance trust processes, including premium reconciliation, carrier coordination, reporting support, and related operational activities.
• Review and reconcile benefit invoices, eligibility files, enrollment data, and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy and timely processing.
• Partner with vendors, brokers, carriers, payroll, HRIS, and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support ongoing benefits operations.
• Respond to employee inquiries and escalations related to benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, and plan administration.
• Maintain process documentation, controls, and procedures to support efficient and compliant benefits administration.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and data analysis to support internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, streamline workflows, and enhance service delivery.
• Support other Benefits projects, as requested.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

Strong knowledge of ACA compliance requirements and health and welfare benefits administration.

Hands-on experience supporting HRIS in designing and administering open enrollment in Workday.

Experience with life insurance trust administration and related operational processes, preferred.

Experience supporting Form 5500 filings and annual benefits reporting.

Strong Excel skills, including the ability to analyze, reconcile, and manage benefits data using formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and reporting tools.

Familiarity with carrier file management, invoice reconciliation, and benefits data validation.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Workday Benefits and HRIS reporting.

Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and other applicable benefits regulations.

Experience supporting benefits audits, vendor management, and process improvement initiatives.

Project management experience or exposure to cross-functional HR initiatives.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; Degree or certification in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.

3-5 years of experience in benefits administration; experience in a law firm or professional services organization preferred.

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$115,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.