Total Rewards Specialist

GHJ is looking for a Total Rewards Specialist

WHY we get up in the morning

At GHJ, we foster a flexible, entrepreneurial environment so our people achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our success is driven by retaining the best, diverse talent. We invest in our people and technology to deepen firm expertise and fuel sustainable growth. And we partner with our clients locally and globally to deliver innovative solutions.

WHAT we believe

GHJ works side by side with business leaders and nonprofit organizations to deliver responsive, high-impact advisory, tax and accounting solutions that drive real results. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Buffalo, Denver, Orange County and San Jose and backed by our own dispersed workforce, GHJ meets clients where they are to help leaders achieve their strategic goals.

THRIVING On Our Own Terms

We are deeply committed to our core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts and Bold Actions and incorporate them into every aspect of our business. By living these values, GHJ measures success by the strength of our relationships, the quality of our impact and the integrity of our actions. The Firm’s independence allows us to make strategic choices to innovate, invest and evolve with purpose. Ultimately, GHJ values operational excellence, financial discipline and the courage to prioritize sustainability over size.

Summary of Role:

The Total Rewards Specialist will provide support in benefits administration, retirement programs, and vendor relationships. They will be under the People department and report to the Manager, People Operations and Total Rewards. GHJ partners with their HRIS vendor, Dayforce and their managed payroll provider, Puzzle HR in the administration of benefits and payroll. The Total Rewards Specialist will act as liaison between GHJ, Dayforce and Puzzle HR to help build vendor/client relationships and resolve issues/concerns as they arise. This role will also work closely with our broker and other vendors for benefits and leave of absence administration. Projects primarily focus on annual Open Enrollment, general benefits administration, retirement plan administration and compliance.

You will be responsible for:

Benefits and Leave Administration

• Administer core and ancillary benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, charitable giving programs, EPA, and other employee perks.
• Maintaining employee records regarding pay and benefits (enrollments, deductions, direct deposit enrollments, pay file changes)
• Partner with People Director for annual benefits renewal and Open Enrollment processes, in partnership with external vendors.
• Oversee Medicare eligibility administration and required employee notifications.
• Notify and educate employees on benefit programs, changes, and key deadlines.
• Coordinate the leave of absence process and policies, coordinating with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent and compliant execution.
• Audit benefits carrier invoices against current enrollments, research discrepancies, and coordinate corrections with vendors.
• Maintain accurate employee benefits records, including enrollments, changes, and related documentation.
• Educate employees on benefit programs, plan changes, eligibility, and key deadlines, and respond to questions with clear, accurate information.

Retirement Programs

• 401k administration (verifying change files, 401k audit, non-discrimination testing, etc.)
• Profit Sharing Plan oversight and administration, including annual testing and contributions
• Support the annual 401(k) and profit participation audits as needed, in coordination with the Senior Specialist, Payroll and other internal or external partners.

Vendor and Compliance Oversight

• Coordinate with Puzzle HR to ensure invoices from benefits carriers are being audited against current enrollments
• Maintaining regulatory reporting and compliance (form 5500, Section 125, HIPAA, SOC 1, Medicare Part D reports, annual worker compensation audit, etc.)
• Partner with the People team and Finance to reconcile benefit-related data and resolve discrepancies.

What we need from you:

A passion for serving others and a steady focus on the needs of the employees
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Highly organized and self-driven
Proactive thinking & ability to present solutions to issue and problems that arise
Fearless when approaching unknown territory – willing to get hands dirty and ask all the questions
Attention to detail and ability to self-review work before handing off to others
Able to think on your feet, change course quickly and do multiple things at once – manage priorities
Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential employee, benefits, and compensation information.
Comfort working with vendors and collaborating across the People team, Finance, and other internal stakeholders.

What skills & experience you’ll bring to us:

3+ years’ experience in benefits administration (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
Experience working with benefits vendors and communicating effectively with associated internal and external parties
Experience with HRIS (Dayforce experience preferred)
Knowledge of applicable laws (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, PFL, etc.)
Experience developing and scaling processes and working in a rapid-paced, high-growth environment
Strong analytical skills
Great organizational skills, high attention to detail, and strong sense of urgency
Excellent written and verbal communication skills