Benefits Specialist

Job Title : Benefits Specialist Job Location : Norfolk, VA FLSA Status : Exempt Salary Range : $60-65k annually Overview: AIR Control Concepts is more than just a collection of firms, we are a community of forward-thinking experts committed to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. With a focus on commercial HVAC representation, we bring together esteemed entities from diverse regions, each boasting decades of invaluable experience. We understand that success in the HVAC industry goes beyond individual accomplishments. That's why we believe in the power of unity and collaboration. By leveraging our collective assets, knowledge, and resources, we empower our member firms to deliver unparalleled service, safety, and efficiency to clients across healthcare, commercial, and residential sectors. Check out our website : AIR Control Concepts | HVAC Partnerships, Growth & Support Across North America Job Description: The Benefits Specialist supports the administration, coordination, and ongoing improvement of AIR’s employee benefits programs, with an emphasis on accuracy, data analysis, and operational excellence. This role is ideal for someone who is exceptionally detail-oriented, numbers-driven, highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, and motivated to learn. The successful candidate enjoys working with spreadsheets, analyzing reports, reconciling data, identifying discrepancies, and solving problems. They will partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, third-party administrators (TPAs), brokers, and benefit vendors to maintain accurate records, support plan operations, and deliver a positive employee experience. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Support the day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life, disability, and voluntary benefits. Manage employee enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, and eligibility updates with a high degree of accuracy. Use Excel to organize, analyze, compare, and reconcile benefits data, eligibility files, claims reports, invoices, and payroll deductions. Review data and reports for inconsistencies, missing information, trends, and discrepancies; investigate issues and help drive them to resolution. Assist with self-funded medical plan administration, including claims coordination, reporting, vendor follow-up, and operational tracking. Coordinate with TPAs, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), stop-loss carriers, brokers, and other vendors to resolve questions and maintain accurate information. Help investigate claims escalations, prior authorization concerns, and employee benefit issues, escalating sensitive or complex cases appropriately. Assist with benefits invoice reconciliation, payroll deduction audits, and review of HRIS, payroll, and vendor eligibility feeds. Maintain organized and accurate benefits records, plan documentation, audit files, and confidential employee information. Support compliance activities, annual audits, Form 5500 preparation, nondiscrimination testing, and required employee notices. Assist with open enrollment planning, employee communications, benefits education, and implementation activities. Support benefits-related acquisitions, integrations, and transitions, including validating employee data and tracking outstanding items. Provide responsive, professional customer service and clear guidance to employees regarding benefit programs and processes. Experience and Requirements: Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to work confidently with large datasets, formulas, lookups, pivot tables, and data reconciliation. Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify patterns or discrepancies, and investigate root causes. Highly organized and methodical, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation. A curious, proactive learner who asks questions, seeks to understand the “why,” and is comfortable learning new systems and processes. Strong problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. 1–3 years of benefits administration, HR, payroll, accounting, data analysis, or other detail-intensive experience preferred. Experience with employee benefits, self-funded health plans, HRIS platforms, or benefits vendors is a plus; willingness and ability to learn are essential. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience. What Sets You Apart: You are an Excel go-to person who enjoys working with numbers, spreadsheets, and detailed reports. You naturally spot errors, ask questions when something does not look right, and follow issues through to resolution. You are analytical and comfortable turning detailed data into clear, accurate information. You take pride in producing work that is thorough, reliable, and well organized. You are eager to learn employee benefits and grow your expertise in a fast-paced, high-growth, acquisition-focused environment. Experience with UKG, ADP, or similar HRIS and benefits administration systems is a plus. Exposure to self-funded plans, TPAs, PBMs, or stop-loss carriers is a plus. Benefits: We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including: Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage to support your well-being. Financial Security – 401(k) retirement plan with company match and short/long-term disability coverage. Work-Life Balance – Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and an employee assistance program (EAP). Professional Development – Ongoing training opportunities and support for continuing education. The Company provides equal employment opportunity in accordance with applicable laws and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs and qualifications. The Company complies with disability laws and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals.