Benefits Specialist

Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Location: Fountain Valley, CA (100% Onsite)

Employment Type: Temporary (2-3 months covering LOA)

Compensation: $35-$38/hour

Overview

We are seeking a well-rounded HR professional with strong 401(k) administration and benefits experience to support our client's team in a temporary capacity. This role is primarily focused on retirement plan administration and wellness initiatives, with secondary responsibility as a backup for payroll operations.

This position requires someone who is comfortable working cross-functionally, managing sensitive data, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

401(k) & Benefits Administration (Primary Focus)

• Manage day-to-day administration of the 401(k)-retirement plan, including enrollments, changes, loans, distributions, and beneficiary updates
• Ensure compliance with plan guidelines and regulatory requirements; support audits and compliance testing
• Partner with vendors (e.g., recordkeepers) to maintain accurate employee records and resolve discrepancies
• Support fiduciary processes, including coordination of committee meetings and documentation
• Analyze plan performance, participation trends, and recommend improvements
• Develop employee communications and educational materials to increase awareness and engagement
• Assist in the administration and enhancement of wellness programs, including participation initiatives and communication campaigns
• Support general benefits operations as needed, including leave-related tracking and benefit premium reconciliation

Payroll Support (Secondary / Backup Function)

• Provide backup support for bi-weekly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with wage and hour regulations
• Assist with monthly expatriate payroll processing
• Review timekeeping data, deductions, and adjustments; resolve discrepancies
• Respond to employee payroll-related inquiries and assist with employment verifications
• Support government reporting, garnishments, and tax-related correspondence

HR Systems & Reporting

• Support HRIS and time/attendance systems as a backup administrator
• Maintain accurate employee records, including hires, terminations, and status changes
• Generate and reconcile reports related to payroll, benefits, and compliance (e.g., 401(k), FSA, accruals)
• Assist with system enhancements, reporting improvements, and data integrity initiatives

Cross-Functional & Analytical Support

• Partner with HR, Finance, and other departments to address payroll and benefits-related needs
• Prepare audit documentation and support internal/external audits
• Analyze benefits data, costs, and trends to provide recommendations on plan design and cost management
• Assist with ad hoc HR projects, reporting requests, and process improvements

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• 4-6 years of HR experience with a strong emphasis on benefits and HRIS
• At least 4 years of 401(k) or retirement plan administration experience
• Working knowledge of benefits compliance and administration best practices

Preferred:

• 3 years of payroll experience, including hands-on processing
• Experience supporting or backing up payroll operations
• Familiarity with HRIS and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP or similar platforms)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data management
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in Excel and HR systems
• Strong communication skills with the ability to support employees and stakeholders at all levels

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.