The Role
Manage day-to-day administration of firm health, welfare, and retirement plans; partner with vendors, payroll, HRIS and leaders; support compliance (including 5500s, nondiscrimination testing), open enrollment, reporting, vendor management, and participant communications. Mentor staff and deliver high-touch benefits service.
Summary Generated by Built In
Grant Thornton is seeking a Benefits Senior Associate to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.
The Benefits Senior Associate serves as the Health & Welfare (H&W)/Retirement Plan specialist for the firmwide Benefits function. Reporting to the H&W and Retirement Benefits Managers, the Benefits Analyst is responsible for the day-to-day administration of assigned firm benefit plans, including data reporting and analysis to support compliance with plan documents, and providing distinctive service to leaders and employees of the firm.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Become knowledgeable and supportive of the strategy and business priorities of the firm and ensure alignment of benefit strategy to those of the firm.
- Collaborate across service lines (e.g, Finance & Accounting, IT, Communications, etc.) as well as within People & Community (HR) operational and functional areas, vendor partners, and firm leaders in the execution of our business-aligned Total Rewards agenda.
- Manages the day-to-day relationship with the firm’s Third-Party Administrator (TPA) and other outside vendors for firm benefit plans.
- Assists in the annual open enrollment process by providing necessary information to the firm’s TPA and broker/consultants, ensuring accuracy of plan information, and completing analysis of enrollment trends.
- Leads efforts with broker/consultants to conduct annual non-discrimination testing.
- Supports the administration of the 401k and Employees’ Retirement plans and Partner Retirement Plans as needed.
- Identifies issues and works with the appropriate department or vendor to solve problems.
- Compiles data and metric information used to help identify problems and find trends.
- Under general direction of a Benefits leader, supports managing risk and other regulatory compliance matters in collaboration with ERISA counsel, broker/consultants, vendors, and P&C Leadership.
- Supports the execution of the firm strategies that support the “whole self” and align with and support our employment brand proposition.
- Ensures plan documents and procedural documentation is updated accordingly and plan procedures, plan documents and notices are housed appropriately.
- Updates the Firm’s Intranet and ensures all required documents are posted and current.
- Reviews compliance reporting requirements and prepares communications to plan participants.
- Pulls data and census information for Total Rewards offerings, reporting, and vendor requirements.
- Updates HRIS systems for benefit/retirement plan changes.
- Administers benefit changes for GMOB and coordinates between both Firm and GMOB pay systems to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
- Works with payroll, HRIS and P&C community to address issues holistically.
- Manage, mentor, and coach staff within their scope.
- Ensure quality in the delivery of all products.
- Deliver a “high touch” people experiences related to assigned plans, including the experience delivered during new hire onboarding communication of benefits, responding to employee questions and other general questions about the benefit programs for the firm.
- Support managing vendor contracts, monthly invoice processing and managing plan budgets.
- Support completion and review of annual 5500 filings, non-discrimination testing and other compliance reporting requirements for assigned plans.
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in related field
- 3 or more years of related work experience
- PHR, SPHR, or CEBS credentials a plus
- Past experience functioning as a Benefits Specialist or Administrator preferably within a consulting or professional services environment
- Experience in prioritization with demonstrated ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Highly collaborative and action-oriented; someone who can build collaborative relationships across a matrixed organization.
- Confident and strong personal initiative as someone who is willing to get into the details, roll up their sleeves, and do whatever it takes to get the job done
- Operationally focused with ability to think creatively and deliver tactically
- Metrics-focused with ability and history of using analytics to identify problems and propose solutions
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- A reputation for discretion, integrity, judgment, responsiveness, strong attention to detail and common sense
- Excellent PC skills with proficiency in MS Office
- Ability to travel as needed. Expected travel less than 5%
The base salary range for this position is between $76,000 and $102,600. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About UsAt Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the TeamThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here’s what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [email protected].
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- 3 or more years of related work experience
- PHR, SPHR, or CEBS credential
- Experience functioning as a Benefits Specialist or Benefits Administrator
- Experience within consulting or professional services environment
- Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative mindset with ability to build relationships across a matrixed organization
- Strong personal initiative, attention to detail, discretion and judgment
- Metrics-focused with history of using analytics to identify problems and propose solutions
- Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency with MS Office
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems; ability to update HRIS for benefits changes
- Ability to travel as needed (expected less than 5%)
- Ability to manage, mentor, and coach staff
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Forget what you think you know about professional services. We go beyond what’s expected and help others do the same. Grant Thornton is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms. That means our network has more than 60,000 professionals in more than 135 countries who are ready to help public and private organizations of all sizes take on today’s challenges. But what sets us apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we do it. Here, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result. We’re collaborators – obsessed with quality and ready for anything – who understand the value of strong relationships. It’s how we challenge the expectations of business and empower our people and clients to do it, too. One thing we won’t do? Grant Thornton LLP will never request money or any form of payment for services via social media. Please report any concerns at 1-800-810-3503. "Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
