Regulatory & Compliance Specialist (Employee Benefits)

A Regulatory & Compliance Specialist in Employee Benefits ensures that an organization’s benefit plans—such as health insurance, retirement, and wellness programs—adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. Their work is essential to protecting both the company and its employees from legal and financial risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA) to employee benefit plans.
• Monitor plan operations to ensure ongoing compliance with legal standards and internal policies.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments, identifying and correcting areas of non-compliance.
• Prepare and file required documentation, such as Form 5500 and Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs).
• Collaborate with HR, legal, finance, and third-party vendors to maintain compliant benefit programs.
• Stay current on regulatory changes and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Train HR staff and leadership on compliance procedures and best practices.
• Support plan amendments, mergers, or terminations, ensuring proper documentation and participant communication.

Essential Skills

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits law, including ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations.
• Analytical and detail-oriented mindset for reviewing complex plan documents and filings.
• Strong communication skills to explain compliance requirements to non-experts.
• Project management and organizational ability to handle multiple deadlines and audits.
• Discretion and ethical judgment, especially when handling sensitive employee data.
• Proficiency with compliance and benefits administration software.

This role is often found in corporate HR departments, benefits consulting firms, or third-party administrators, and may require or benefit from certifications like CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or ASPPA credentials.