What does a Benefits Clerk do?

Benefits clerk responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real benefits clerk resumes:
- Examine HMO documents to verify eligibility to process or reject into or from a manage care plan when necessary.
- Enter employee data in HRIS system.
- Used ADP HR/B software for benefits enrollment and reports.
- Maintain retirement (401k) plan, FMLA and personnel records.
- Monitor FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and personal leave of absence and premiums payments.
- Update and maintain benefits data in the HRIS system to ensure accuracy and integrity of employee information.
- Assist with PeopleSoft implementation and integration with ADP
- Create new inventory/non-inventory items in QuickBooks accounting system and tracks supplies accurately.
- Maintain detailed records of employment, and provide spreadsheets/data of all payroll functions-for audit purposes in accordance with statutory requirements.
- Act as expert in and trains others in the use of PeopleSoft.
- Maintain accurate information concerning the benefits provide to employees, retirees, and other plan participants in PeopleSoft.
- Prepare various informational packet materials including correctly photocopying, collating, labeling materials, in an organize and professional manner.
Benefits clerk skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Benefits Clerks are proficient in Payroll System, Data Entry, and Open Enrollment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Organizational skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Benefits Clerks that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Payroll System, 17%
Entered new hires information into payroll system and allocated union and non-union workers' benefits.
- Data Entry, 8%
Analyzed and developed end-to-end SAP data entry improvement processes for termination, new hires, transfers and personnel changes.
- Open Enrollment, 7%
Provided support to Benefits Department for open enrollment period by answering calls and processing enrollment information.
- Cobra, 7%
Managed benefits packages for all 7 locations, managed Cobra, Spokesman for benefit new hires weekly
- HRIS, 5%
Supervised HRIS Coordinator with responsibility for benefit administration, employee records, employment verification, educational records, and budget information.
- Human Resources, 5%
Collaborate with operations staff, and assist as needed in various other human resources projects.
Common skills that a benefits clerk uses to do their job include "payroll system," "data entry," and "open enrollment." You can find details on the most important benefits clerk responsibilities below.
Math skills. One of the key soft skills for a benefits clerk to have is math skills. You can see how this relates to what benefits clerks do because "the job duties of financial clerks includes calculating charges and updating financial records." Additionally, a benefits clerk resume shows how benefits clerks use math skills: "provide general secretarial support for administrative execs skills used strong customer service, math, problem solving and analytical skills. "
Organizational skills. Another essential skill to perform benefits clerk duties is organizational skills. Benefits clerks responsibilities require that "financial clerks must be able to arrange files so they can find them quickly and efficiently." Benefits clerks also use organizational skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "maintain time keeping excel sheets, graphs, and organizational worksheet's on payroll data for tracking purposes. "
Communication skills. benefits clerks are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to benefits clerk responsibilities, because "financial clerks should be able to explain policies and procedures to colleagues and customers." A benefits clerk resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "answer participants questions and concerns regarding insurance benefits act as contact and point of communications for benefit vendors, ie. "
The three companies that hire the most benefits clerks are:
- SSP Plus1 benefits clerks jobs
- VVirginia Hospital Center1 benefits clerks jobs
- BBroward County Public Schools1 benefits clerks jobs
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Benefits clerk vs. Payroll assistant
A payroll assistant is primarily in charge of performing support tasks to help payroll managers maintain smooth workflow operations. Their duties entail maintaining databases, entering relevant data into systems, coordinating with different departments, handling tax forms and other paperwork, establishing schedules, processing deductions, and preparing regular reports. They may also manage calls and other forms of correspondence, perform research and assessments, keep records, and run errands as necessary. Additionally, a payroll assistant must maintain an open communication line with fellow staff and managers to solve potential or existing issues.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, benefits clerk responsibilities require skills like "open enrollment," "cobra," "life insurance," and "health insurance." Meanwhile a typical payroll assistant has skills in areas such as "payroll data," "payroll checks," "kronos," and "child support orders." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Payroll assistants really shine in the construction industry with an average salary of $48,755. Comparatively, benefits clerks tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $40,253.On average, payroll assistants reach similar levels of education than benefits clerks. Payroll assistants are 2.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Benefits clerk vs. Payroll analyst
A payroll analyst is primarily in charge of overseeing a company's payroll processes and transactions, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating with human resources for accurate and complete timesheets and employee data, managing calendars and schedules, calculating wages and deductions, and performing consistent audits. There are also instances when a payroll analyst must perform clerical tasks such as processing documents, prepare progress reports, and respond to employee inquiries. Furthermore, it is essential to report to managers should there be any issues and concerns.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real benefits clerk resumes. While benefits clerk responsibilities can utilize skills like "open enrollment," "life insurance," "health insurance," and "workers compensation," payroll analysts use skills like "customer service," "payroll data," "reconciliations," and "calculation."
On average, payroll analysts earn a higher salary than benefits clerks. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, payroll analysts earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $57,169. Whereas benefits clerks have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $40,253.In general, payroll analysts achieve similar levels of education than benefits clerks. They're 2.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Benefits clerk vs. Payroll & human resources assistant
The main duty of a Payroll & Human Resources Assistant is to provide payroll information through collecting time and attendance records. They also answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other important information.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from benefits clerk resumes include skills like "human resources," "disability claims," "adp," and "front desk," whereas a payroll & human resources assistant is more likely to list skills in "assist human resources," "adp payroll," "payroll processing," and "kronos. "
Payroll & human resources assistants make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $45,905. On the other hand, benefits clerks are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $40,253.Most payroll & human resources assistants achieve a similar degree level compared to benefits clerks. For example, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Benefits clerk vs. Payroll specialist
It is the primary duty of a payroll specialist to process payroll and maintain an accurate record of the personnel database and ensure employees are paid on time. Payroll specialists are in charge of addressing and resolving employee complaints regarding wages. Also, they manage the company's budget and expenses and prepare reports for the relevant departments. Those with a bachelor's degree in business or accounting are preferred to get the job. Candidates with related job experience and strong knowledge of tax, wage laws, and a good understanding of standard fiscal procedures are highly qualified for the position.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between benefits clerks and payroll specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a benefits clerk might have more use for skills like "payroll system," "open enrollment," "cobra," and "life insurance." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of payroll specialists require skills like "customer service," "payroll data," "adp workforce," and "kronos. "
Payroll specialists enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $46,995. For comparison, benefits clerks earn the highest salary in the government industry.The average resume of payroll specialists showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to benefits clerks. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.Types of benefits clerk
Updated January 8, 2025