Senior Benefits Plan Accountant

Job Overview

The Senior Benefits Plan Accountant is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and reporting of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee-related benefits. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies while supporting strategic initiatives related to employee benefits.

• Process vendor invoices and ensure timely payments in accordance with GW policies and contractual terms.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate records of all payment transactions and support month‑end/quarter‑end closing activities.
• Collaborate with procurement and finance teams to ensure alignment on payment schedules and vendor terms.
• Liaison with health and welfare benefit enrollment TPA for benefit deduction review/reconciliation and analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit for university retirement plans, lead liaison with external auditors, and manage audit documentation.
• Prepare financial statements and supplemental schedules for retirement plans.
• Coordinate actuarial evaluation for Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits and prepare related quarterly and annual journal entries and reconciliations.
• Update internal control narratives, reports, and assumption memos for retirement plans audit.
• Coordinate and prepare Forms 5500s and related annual reports for health and welfare and retirement plans.
• Assist review of 457(f) Restoration Retirement Plan calculations and prepare journal entries to record the liability at quarter‑end.
• Coordinate Nondiscrimination Testing for health and welfare and retirement plans.
• Prepare monthly analysis for retirement plans; reconcile university contributions amounts to investment providers’ amounts for 401(a) and 403(b) Plans.
• Conduct sample test of distribution payments issued from the 401(a) and 403(b) plans to ensure compliance with plan rules.
• Perform monthly analysis of all fringe benefits expenditures for management review.
• Research and propose new or revised processes and procedures to improve benefit accounting and reconciliation.
• Identify and advise management on expenditure and payment function issues and provide solutions.
• Perform overall support for payroll manual checks and related discrepancies.
• Oversee processing of any payroll-related items as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study.
• Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is acceptable.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Certification: CPA or accounting certification preferred.

• Experience: Experience in employee benefits accounting and familiarity with benefits plans such as health insurance and retirement plans.
• Experience with regulatory compliance (ERISA, IRS, DOL regulations).

• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Proficiency in accounting software (Oracle, Banner, or similar ERP systems).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros).
• Experience with benefits administration platforms (e.g., bswift) and payroll systems.

• Analytical & Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with HR, payroll, and finance teams.

• Other Preferred Attributes: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience with audit preparation and working with external auditors.
• Knowledge of internal controls and process improvement initiatives.

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well‑being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.