Senior Benefits Specialist at APCO Worldwide in Washington, DC

We have an immediate opening for a Senior Benefits Specialist to join our Washington, D.C.-based Human Resources team. You will be joining colleagues who are open, collaborative, diverse and curious.

You will be the lead administrator for our health and wellness benefit programs, 401(k) retirement plan, various domestic and international insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and workers’ compensation benefits. You will manage key relationships with brokers, record keepers, and providers to ensure a high level of service and that our programs are cost-effective and meet employee needs. You will devise efficient and compliant benefits administration procedures and lead the development of compelling and engaging resources and tools to inform prospective and current employees of the value of APCO’s total rewards programs.

Additionally, the role involves processing North America payroll under the guidance of the Director of Compensation. This position also includes providing information to new and current employees, providers, and administrators; coordinating employee benefits; managing worker’s compensation; and resolving issues related to employee benefits, retirement, reporting, and reconciliation.

The Benefits & Payroll Senior Specialist role is a great opportunity for someone who is self-directed, proactive and has a passion for benefits. You must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. We hope to draw on your strong project management skills and creativity to improve our HR technology and implement new solutions.

Responsibilities

Work with HR leadership and team to ensure benefits and welfare program competitiveness and alignment with organizational priorities and goals

Understand various plan designs and documents and interpret those to relevant stakeholders

Develop procedures to administer benefits in an efficient and compliant manner that is aligned with industry best practices;

Ensure compliance of the 401k plan and identify improvements to plan administration

Develop a full-cycle comprehensive communications plan to inform and educate prospective and current employees about APCO’s total rewards

Support the North America HR Business Partner in providing leave administration for FMLA, STD, and LTD leaves

Manage annual insurance renewal/open enrollment process and education events

Work with Global HRIS Manager and Director of Compensation on improvements to the HRIS as it relates to benefits, employee self-service, and open enrollment

Partner with Global HR Business Partners and Global Mobility in coordinating local benefit programs for transfer and seconded employees

Reconcile benefits accounts by approving billing statements in coordination with shared service team

Maintains benefit records by developing recordkeeping systems, initiating new-hire benefits and recording changes

Collaborate with HR Assistant and Payroll Specialist to manage payroll changes such as new hires, absences, terminations, and wage increases

Prepares a variety of reports (e.g. state and federal reports, benefit and wage statements, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information to district personnel, local, county, state and/or federal agencies

Maintains payroll process (e.g., payroll, benefit deductions, tax withholdings) to ensure accurate records and employee payments.

Ensure organization is properly set up to submit employment tax report and payments to various states for current and new geographies

Maintaining employee confidence and protects payroll operations by keeping information confidential

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in human resources management or related field

At least 5-7 years of experience in benefits administration including retirement plans, domestic and global health, and dental benefits, STD, LTD, workers’ compensation, flexible spending accounts, COBRA, providing a high level of customer service in a fast-paced deadline driven environment

Strong knowledge and understanding of pertinent federal and state regulations and filing and compliance requirements affecting employee benefit programs, including COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, IRS, etc.

Prior experience working successfully with colleagues from diverse cultures and backgrounds

Ability to understand user needs within and outside of HR and work collaboratively in a team environment

Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal communication skills; able to influence and create strong working relationships with employees and a range of stakeholders

Must have excellent written, verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail and accuracy

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation Range:
The US base salary for this position ranges from $70,000/year to $90,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.

Careers at APCO
With our commitment to recruit, hire, promote and retain people who reflect the diverse communities in which we operate, APCO Worldwide ensures our teams bring the best possible expertise and diverse perspectives to our clients. We embrace diversity of identity, experience and thought, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

About APCO
APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.