Actively Hiring! | Sr. Benefits & Leave Specialist | Austin, TX | Apply Now!
Job Description
The Sr. Benefits & Leave Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting our client's comprehensive benefits programs. This position is responsible for managing vendor relationships, performing detailed internal audits, and ensuring data accuracy across systems. The role involves internal oversight, handling employee inquiries, supporting leave and 401(k) management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, accuracy, and the ability to deliver an exceptional, employee-centric experience.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary liaison with multiple benefits vendors to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.
Act as the liaison between the benefits administration vendor and the credit union, coordinating data, resolving issues, and supporting employee benefits transactions.
Conduct ongoing audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy of benefits enrollment, payroll deductions, eligibility, and demographic updates.
Investigate and resolve benefits-related issues by partnering with vendors, payroll, HR, and the credit union where applicable.
Validate vendor data files, troubleshoot discrepancies, and ensure data integrity across all systems.
Answer employee questions regarding benefits plans, eligibility, enrollment, leave, and processes with professionalism and empathy.
Manage leave of absence processes (FMLA, ADA, personal leaves, Workers' Compensation, etc.), including coordinating with vendors, HRBPs, managers, and employees.
Monitor vendor performance against SLAs, identify service gaps, and escalate issues as needed to maintain quality standards.
Lead annual enrollment activities, including system testing, communication review, and employee assistance.
Prepare compliance and audit documentation, reports, and summaries for internal stakeholders.
Generate and analyze reports related to benefits utilization and leave trends for HR leadership.
Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field or equivalent work experience.
4+ years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or a related field.
Strong working knowledge of benefits plans, eligibility rules, plan design features, and cross-system impacts.
Solid understanding of leave programs (FMLA, ADA-related workflow, disability) and how they intersect with benefits and payroll.
Good familiarity with compliance requirements (ERISA, HIPAA, ACA) and the ability to apply them in day-to-day scenarios.
Knowledge of data integrations and vendor file processes, including how to identify and correct recurring errors.
Understanding of audit controls, reconciliation steps, and root-cause identification for benefits-related issues.
Skilled at analyzing data, spotting patterns or recurring issues, and recommending practical improvements.
Strong communication skills, able to explain benefits and leave processes clearly to employees and partners.
Comfortable navigating multiple systems and resolving issues that cross HRIS, payroll, and vendor platforms.
Ability to independently resolve most benefits or leave issues and identify when specialized escalation is required.
Ability to interpret policies and apply judgment in nuanced or uncommon employee situations.
Ability to maintain accuracy while juggling multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and influence vendors to ensure timely resolution.
Ability to contribute to process improvements, system cleanup, and benefits cycle enhancements (OE, audits, file updates).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Proficiency in Excel, MS Office Suite, and Microsoft Suite.
Experience in benefits management, benefits administration, and employee relations.
Familiarity with FMLA, ADA, ERISA, ACA, and other related areas.
Experience with CCP, GRP, Tableau, and Power BI.
Work Environment
The position is expected to work onsite in Austin, Texas at least one day per week, but up to three days per week. The work environment is conducive to collaboration, with a usual noise level that allows for focus and concentration.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $45.50/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Austin,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 2, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
