Benefits Specialist Analyst
Resume:
Lisa O'Reilly
Downers Grove, IL *****
****.*******@***.*** 630-***-****
Profile
Experienced Compensation & Benefits Analyst with an engineering background and a strong track record in improving processes and communication. Specializes in benefits plan administration, system implementation, and cross-functional collaboration to drive efficiency. Expertise in utilizing advanced HR systems (Workday, ADP, UltiPro) and streamlining compensation and benefits programs. Proven ability to manage complex data, improve processes, and deliver strategic recommendations that support business goals and enhance operational efficiency.
Work Experience
Addison Group Talent Solutions, Schaumburg, IL 2024 to 2024
Benefits Specialist, Cresco Labs – Contract/Remote
Helped with end-of-year auditing of retirement and benefit plans, improved invoicing, and other projects as assigned.
Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, Chicago, IL – Remote 2021 to 2024
Sr. Benefits Associate
Responsible for overseeing US employee leaves, onboarding new hires, benefits invoicing and reconciliation, and aiding employees with day-to-day questions.
Led the administration of US employees leaves for 1,300+ employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of FMLA, disability, and state leaves.
Conducted system testing in collaboration with Payroll and HRIS for Workday payroll module, improving payroll accuracy for employees on leave.
Rewrote the Benefits Enrollment Guide, enhancing clarity and compliance while improving employee satisfaction during open enrollment and onboarding.
Performed weekly benefits onboarding sessions.
Developed an automated billing template for self-billed invoices, reducing manual entry time by hours per month and improving accuracy in financial reconciliation.
Successfully migrated life, disability, FSA, HSA, and COBRA plans to new vendors during the same plan year to be ready for Annual Enrollment.
SME for employees’ benefits inquiries to the HR Support inbox.
Wrote procedures for internal processes.
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL 2015 to 2021
Benefits Analyst
Accountable for ongoing benefits communications, review of system data and vendor file feeds, and reconciliation of monthly vendor invoices.
Streamlined processing of annual premium reimbursements to 600+ retirees, reducing reimbursement processing time by 30% and enhancing payment accuracy.
Eliminated redundancies in the benefit enrollment process significantly decreasing time spent completing benefits forms.
Successfully collaborated with IT to develop and launch an online benefits enrollment tool.
Introduced wellness initiatives to decrease medical spending and increase general employee wellbeing.
KeHE Distributors, Inc. - Naperville, IL 2010 to 2015
Sr. Benefits Specialist
Communicated, maintained, and administered health and welfare benefits, annual merit/compensation programs, retirement plans, and various incentives to over 4,000 employees.
Administered the 401(k) plan and ESOP, maintaining plan compliance and serving as a key point of contact for 5,000+ participants.
Spearheaded the successful launch of a new HDHP with HSA and wellness initiatives.
Coordinated merit and incentive programs for 4,000+ employees, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
Member of the Investment Committee.
Factory Card & Party Outlet, Naperville, IL 2005 to 2010
Inventory Control Coordinator (2008 to 2010)
Coordinated annual inventory cycle for 161 stores.
• Completed first-ever SKU-based inventory for 3 test stores.
• Improved store packet preparation using mail merge, saving hours of preparation.
• Assisted with turnover to Retail.net system by identifying obsolete SKUs.
Worked with inventory service to ensure fulfillment of pre-inventory visits and scheduled inventories.
Inventory Analyst (2006 to 2008)
Reported weekly seasonal sales and end-of-season results for buyers’ review.
• Provided year-over-year seasonal sales comparison reports.
• Ran informational queries as needed.
HR Specialist (2005 to 2006)
Dual reporting role to benefits manager and recruiting manager.
Managed annual compensation review process and quarterly bonuses for store managers.
Introduced a merit review statement for employees.
Improved merit review and bonus payout efficiency by introducing automatic calculations to spreadsheets.
Decreased the time for bonus check disbursement by 2 weeks.
Introduced electronic resume filing that eliminated the need for paper files and made sending resumes to hiring managers easier.
Built a candidate tracking database to assist the recruitment manager with recognizing candidates.
Established a career development database based on survey input from store employees to identify interest in career advancement.
Posted open positions on multiple websites.
Prepared confirmation letters to newly hired/promoted store management.
Exelon 1996 to 2002
Senior Compensation Analyst
Oversaw compensation activities, including annual salary and performance reviews for nuclear employees.
Coordinated salary and performance review process for over 3,000 nuclear employees using PeopleSoft, Microsoft Access and Excel spreadsheets.
Trained over 50 managers in the use of compensation databases.
Pioneered and updated a database to track the Nuclear Licensing Bonus Program for over 300 nuclear operators, saving the company thousands of dollars by eliminating nuclear license pay to employees no longer in the position.
Conducted salary analysis/benchmarking for new and existing jobs.
Wrote and updated job descriptions.
Implemented and coordinated a new Rewards and Recognition program for Nuclear Business Unit employees, recognizing those who exemplified the company goals.
Other Work Experience
Senior Research Analyst - Commonwealth Edison Co., Chicago, Illinois
General Engineer - Commonwealth Edison Co., SW Chicago Suburbs, Illinois
Education
Masters, Business Management Aurora University - Aurora, IL
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering University of Evansville - Evansville, IN
Skills
• Business process analysis and optimization • System documentation and technical solution design • Facilitation of collaborative discussions with stakeholders • Requirements gathering and process mapping • Functional testing and user acceptance testing (UAT) • Compensation analysis, salary benchmarking, and incentive plan design • Employee benefits administration, including health, welfare, and retirement plans • HRIS and payroll system implementation and optimization • Data analysis and compliance auditing • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Workday, ADP, Cognos, PeopleSoft, UltiPro, AS400, Cornerstone, Ellucian, MailChimp, and other HR technologies
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