City Colleges of Chicago · 3 days ago
Benefits Specialist (SURS)
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$50K/yr - $60K/yr
2+ years expCity Colleges of Chicago has been connecting students to economic opportunity since 1911. The Benefits Specialist (SURS) is responsible for the administration and coordination of the State University Retirement System (SURS) pension plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and City Colleges policies.
AlumniCommunitiesE-LearningEducationHigher Education
Hiring Manager
Alisa North
Responsibilities
Collaborates closely with the Director-Benefits to ensure the administration and implementation of State Universities Retirement System (SURS) pension plans in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) policies
Supports the day-to-day administration of SURS, exercising independent judgment in the interpretation and application of plan rules and regulatory requirements
Serves as the primary SURS subject matter expert and liaison for third-party administrators, SURS representatives, and internal stakeholders
Monitors, interprets, and applies SURS rules, regulations, and legislative changes to ensure ongoing organizational compliance and to recommend operational adjustments as needed
Analyzes, calculates, and audits the monthly 6% SURS Penalty Report, coordinating with the Office of Human Resources Assistant Business Manager to ensure accurate and timely payment processing
Analyzes, calculates, and audits the annual SURS Governors Penalty Report, partnering with the Assistant Business Manager to ensure compliance and timely remittance
Reviews, audits, analyzes, and reports annual salary data for Return-to-Work Annuitants in accordance with SURS reporting requirements
Responds to and resolves complex campus inquiries related to Return-to-Work Annuitants, exercising discretion and maintaining accurate documentation of determinations and outcomes
Develops and maintains SURS-related documentation, training materials, and reference resources to support consistent and compliant practices
Researches, analyzes, and resolves SURS-related cases and inquiries, including those involving employee correspondence, retirements, terminations, deaths, leaves of absence, separation refunds, prior service, and corrected new hire events
Assists in the management of CCCs SURS-related email accounts to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant responses
Provides expert guidance and interpretation to employees regarding SURS eligibility, benefits, and pension-related provisions
Collaborates with Payroll to ensure accurate processing and reconciliation of SURS transactions, including refunds and additional deductions, and the timely submission of required data to SURS
Identifies, analyzes, and resolves discrepancies identified in monthly Certification Without Transactions and Transactions Before Certification reports
Serves as a SURS liaison to internal departments, including Benefits, Payroll, and Employee Services, to ensure coordinated and accurate information exchange
Represents CCC in communications with SURS and other external entities regarding pension plan administration and compliance matters
Ensures effective and timely information flow between CCC administration, SURS and third-party administrators
Performs other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives
Upholds CCC Customer Service Excellence standards in all interactions
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field required
Two years of progressively responsible experience in benefits, accounting, payroll, recruitment/talent acquisition, general HR or related field
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered at the discretion of management
One to three years of experience with the State of Illinois State University Retirement System (SURS) or equivalent pension/retirement plan experience required
Strong knowledge of mathematics and applicable laws, policies, rules, and procedures related to retirement and employee benefits
Excellent analytical and research skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely
Ability to interpret and apply benefits and retirement program policies, regulations, and plan provisions accurately
Ability to maintain precise and confidential benefits records and documentation
Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve benefits-related issues and discrepancies in a timely manner
Proficiency in performing mathematical calculations and reconciling financial and benefits data
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization and handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality under minimal supervision
Self-directed and well-organized, with the ability to evaluate current processes and propose practical improvements
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of confidentiality
Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint
Preferred
Experience with HRIS systems, especially PeopleSoft, highly preferred
Benefits
Excellent health and welfare benefit package
Long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans
A pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan
Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days
Tuition reimbursement
Company
City Colleges of Chicago
City Colleges of Chicago is a school.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
City Colleges of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (3)
2023 (1)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.6MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Education
2023-01-20Grant· $0.6M
Leadership Team
CM Winters
Assistant Professor & Department Chairperson
Recent News
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