Benefit Analyst

Job Description:

Benefit Analyst

Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

MEMBER SERVICES BENEFIT ANALYST

This recruitment will be advertised from February 18, 2025, thru February 25, 2025.
Applications will be accepted starting February 26 until the application period closes on March 5.

OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule .

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our growing Member Services TEAM! We are now accepting on-line applications to fill one (1) Member Services Benefit Analyst positions. This recruitment is open to the public and will be used to establish an eligible list to fill an immediate vacancy within the Member Services division. The eligible list may be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.

WHO WE ARE:
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $24 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here .

Mission
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.
Values

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY

OCERS is seeking one (1) Member Services Benefit Analyst to support the Member Services division. This position will report directly to the Member Services Manager and is expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, integrity, professionalism, superior service, and system efficiency. The Member Services Benefits Analyst will review the department's work, processes, and member feedback to determine if team training, process improvements, or documentation updates are needed to ensure customer service goals and audit objectives are met in a timely manner.

Under general supervision, the Member Services Benefits Analyst will supervise team members performing financial transactions, Customer Service processes, and information systems or Transactional Quality Assurance reviews. The ideal team member will perform work to ensure that OCERS follows a comprehensive system of operational internal controls to minimize risks and sustain overall system compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will provide supervision and leadership to Member Services teams that are responsible for transaction processing or quality assurance reporting.

• Provide supervision and leadership to Member Services teams that are responsible for transaction processing or quality assurance reporting.
• Perform Quality Assurance reviews and ensures OCERS' policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Conduct Quality Assurance reviews, as needed, of OCERS' systems upgrades/patches and determine if changes are needed.
• Develop, analyze, and summarize complex information/reports, both verbally and in writing, including detailed analysis related to benefit calculations, retiree payroll, service credit purchases, and other transactions as needed.
• Perform regression testing of various retiree payroll processes as new builds are released for OCERS' Pension Administration System, V3.
• Verify and analyze transactions, documents, records, methods of reporting, receipts, disbursements for errors, irregularities, and inconsistencies.
• Review records to determine compliance with stated goals and objectives.
• Report on work flows and quality findings to management and provide timely feedback to team members.
• Prepare and present written Quality Assurance reports with recommendations on Quality Assurance findings and follows up on the status of findings and recommendations.
• Prepare Quality Assurance work papers, correspondence, and final reports.
• Recommend correction of unsatisfactory conditions, improvements in operations, and reductions in costs.
• Maintain positive/constructive written and oral communications with OCERS personnel.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Perform other specialized duties related to Member Services operations as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, Economics or a closely related field which may include elementary, intermediate and advanced accounting, auditing, or other business-related courses.

AND

Three (3) years of professional-level defined benefit plan administration, accounting, or internal auditing experience with demonstrated knowledge and abilities.

OR

Seven (7) years of professional-level defined benefit plan administration, accounting, or internal auditing experience with demonstrated knowledge and abilities.

Special Notes, Licenses, or Requirements

• A valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel; may be required to use personal vehicle.
• A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be a disqualifying factor from employment.

Highly Desirable Qualities

• Pension Administration background related to Defined Benefit Plans in a California County environment
• Credential from the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA)
• Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) or Accredited Pension Representative (APR) designation from the National Institute of Pension Administration (NIPA)
• Experience with the 1937 Act
• Prior Retirement Plan Auditing Background

Please click here for details on this classification.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Sample of KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of

• Theory, principle, and practice of calculations required to administer governmental defined benefit plans, including methods and procedures used to examine, verify and analyze payroll data, statements, and reports used in these benefit calculations.

• Internal controls, including an understanding of information system controls, accounting systems, and financial structures.
• Computer-based information systems and the use of computers for research and analysis.

Skills/Ability to

• Define problem areas, analyze data and or situations, draw logical conclusions and recommend effective courses of action.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing including preparing comprehensive work papers, clear and concise reports, and financial statements.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with members, Participating Employers, external stakeholders, management staff, and co-workers.
• Review, understand, interpret, and apply State, Federal, and County laws and procedures.
• Review and understand job descriptions, policy manuals, organization charts, business plan, financial, and accounting records.
• Understand, use, and explain complex calculations in conducting quality reviews.
• Conduct research using a variety of research techniques; collect, compile, analyze, and interpret data.
• Exhibit exemplary interpersonal skills and exercise sound judgment and professionalism in business matters.
• Perform job functions independently, objectively, in an ethical manner, and within set time frames.
• Use of standard office equipment such as: computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, photocopier, and 10-key calculator.
• Use computer software to compose reports, spreadsheets, graphs, flowcharts, calculations and time reports, etc.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.
Physical and Mental Requirements

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate in English clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write and use a calculator.
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, Participating Employers, peers, and members.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor.
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files.

Environmental Conditions

• The primary work place is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet moderate noise level.
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs.
• Out-of-area travel may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings.

BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

For additional information and details about the OCERS pension and benefits offered, please click here .

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
OCERS Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without completed supplemental responses will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

Application Rating (AAP)

(Refer/Non-Refer) Application materials will be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts for those qualifications most needed to perform the job duties. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. All notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent via e-mail.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP)

Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocers.org." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:

• Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
  http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information .
• Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
• Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
• Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
• Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
• Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
• 457 Defined Contribution Program

*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: 2/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$91,246.00 - $132,306.00 Annually