HR Benefits Analyst III

About The Role:

The HR Benefits Analyst III specializes in ensuring the bank has competitive and cost-effective benefits policies and practices, managing day-to-day benefits programs, and designing and delivering benefits solutions and policies in line with the bank's human resources and business strategies. The Benefits Analyst III serves as a senior subject matter expert responsible for complex benefits administration, compliance oversight, system integrations, and risk management. This role provides strategic and technical leadership, supports audits and regulatory initiatives, and influences benefits operations and process design across the organization.

• Administer employee benefit & welfare programs, Section 125 plans, COBRA administration, Life/Disability plans, voluntary benefit plans and Paid Time Off plans ensuring benefit programs are compliant with company policy and governmental regulations.

• Manage and recommend actionable insights on compliance reporting, benefit audits, annual testing requirements along with updating and maintaining benefit plan documents.

• Partner to develop overall Open Enrollment program including timelines, developing marketing materials, and presentations/training.

• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned benefit programs, including retirement plans, complex compliance areas, and high risk processes.

• Lead or significantly contribute to audits, compliance testing, and regulatory reporting activities.

• Design, validate, and oversee benefits data feeds, system integrations, and internal controls.

• Analyze complex benefits issues and provide recommendations that balance compliance, operational efficiency, and employee experience.

• Partner with vendors, legal counsel, auditors, and senior leadership on benefits initiatives and issue resolution.

• Develop, maintain, and enhance policies, procedures, and operational documentation.

• Lead benefits projects such as system implementations, vendor transitions, and process redesign efforts.

• Serve as a benefit resource to Columbia employees and family members serving as teams escalation point.

About You:

• High School Diploma or GED, Required

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field, Preferred

• 6-8 years of experience in employee benefit administration and/or related experience

• Demonstrated expert knowledge of federal and state benefit laws and regulations, including COBRA, Section 125, ERISA, HIPPA, and Affordable Care Act Knowledge.

• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in testing, configuring and processing benefit transactions in a HRIS system, preferably Workday.

• Ability to mentor teammates, manage medium to large project timelines and influence department budget.

• Advanced MS Suite knowledge.

• Demonstrated ability to train and present to large audiences.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all circumstances.

The pay range for this role is $80,000.00 to $120,000.00

The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).

1301 A Street Tacoma WA 98402

Our Benefits:

We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.

We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.