Senior Benefits Plan Accountant

JOB OVERVIEW Human Resource Management and Development comprises a variety of teams and units that manage different key employment-related issues for The George Washington University. GW Benefits is dedicated to supporting our faculty, staff, and postdocs by delivering quality, comprehensive and competitive benefit plans with a focus on the participant experience. We aim to build security for our employees by providing services that help support and protect their health, financial, and well‑being goals. The Senior Benefits Plan Accountant position is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and reporting of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee‑related benefits. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies while supporting strategic initiatives related to employee benefits. The Senior Benefits Plan Accountant is responsible for monitoring and completing appropriate accounting activities for the benefit programs, including but not limited to: maintaining and reconciling general ledger accounts related to employee benefits, preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries and financial reports for benefits‑related accounts, collaborating with HR, TPA and payroll teams to ensure accurate benefit deductions and contributions, monitoring and analyzing benefit plan costs, trends and variances, leading annual audits, ensuring compliance with federal/state/local regulations, supporting preparation and ensuring accuracy of regulatory filings, and providing financial analysis for benefits planning and forecasting. This position has enterprise‑wide scope and serves as a subject matter expert managing complex benefits accounting functions for the university. This position also participates in various benefits projects. The Senior Benefits Plan Accountant reports directly to the Benefits Director and works under limited supervision to apply generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and procedures to analyze financial information, prepare accurate and timely reports and ensure appropriate accounting control procedures are met. RESPONSIBILITIES Process vendor invoices and ensure timely payments in accordance with GW policies and contractual terms. Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner. Maintain accurate records of all payment transactions and support month‑end/quarter‑end closing activities. Collaborate with procurement and finance teams to ensure alignment on payment schedules and vendor terms. Liaison with health and welfare benefit enrollment TPA for benefit deduction review/reconciliation and analysis. Coordinate annual audit for university 401(a) and 403(b) retirement plans. Lead liaison with external auditors, investment service providers, and coordinate collection of audit documents. Lead responding to auditors' inquiries, discuss issues as well as perform research on potential exceptions. Prepare financial statements and supplemental schedules for retirement plans. Coordinate actuarial evaluation for post‑retirement and post‑employment benefits and preparation of related quarterly and annual journal entries and reconciliations. Update all internal control narratives, reports and assumption memos for retirement plans and post‑retirement and post‑employment benefits for university financial statements audit. Coordinate and prepare Forms 5500s, 8955‑SSAs, and Summary Annual Reports for health and welfare and retirement plans. Assist review of 457(f) restoration retirement plan calculations and preparing journal entries to record the liability at the end of quarter. Coordinate nondiscrimination testing for health and welfare and retirement plans. Prepare monthly analysis for retirement plans; reconcile university contributions amounts to investment providers’ application amounts for both 401(a) and 403(b) plans. Review annual retirement plan true‑up calculations. Audit plan operation. Oversee processing of any payroll manual checks or any discrepancies as needed. Perform sample test of the distribution payments issued from the 401(a) and 403(b) plans to determine eligibility and to ensure compliance with plan rules. Prepare monthly analysis of all fringe benefits expenditures for management review. Coordinate executive insurance payments. Conduct research on trends and best practices in benefit accounting and propose new or revised processes and procedures associated with the university’s benefit plans. Identify and advise university management on expenditure and payment function issues and provide solutions for consideration and implementation as appropriate. Conduct research on trends and best practices in benefit reconciliation and accounting and propose new or revised processes and procedures to better facilitate activities related to the reconciliation of enrollment, expenditure and payment activities associated with the university’s benefit plans. Perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. CPA or accounting certification preferred. Experience: Experience in employee benefits accounting is preferred. Experience with benefits plans such as health insurance, retirement plans. Familiarity with regulatory compliance (e.g., ERISA, IRS, DOL regulations). Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards. Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Oracle, Banner, or similar ERP systems). Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros). Experience with benefits administration platforms (e.g., bswift) and payroll systems (e.g., Banner). Analytical & Communication Skills: Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders. Experience working cross‑functionally with HR, payroll, and finance teams. Other Preferred Attributes: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Experience with audit preparation and working with external auditors. Knowledge of internal controls and process improvement initiatives. HIRING RANGE $64,483.58 - $106,415.52 GW STAFF APPROACH TO PAY How is pay for new employees determined at GW? HEALTHCARE BENEFITS GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well‑being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit JOB DETAILS Campus Location: Ashburn, Virginia College/School/Department: Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D) Family: Finance and Business Sub‑Family: Accounting Stream: Individual Contributor Level: Level 2 Full‑Time/Part‑Time: Full‑Time Hours Per Week: 40+ Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Will this job require the employee to work on site?: No Employee Onsite Status: Full‑Time Remote Telework: Yes Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status. Internal Applicants Only?: No Posting Number: S Job Open Date: 12/23/2025 Job Close Date: (not specified) Background Screening: Successful completion of a background screening will be required as a condition of hire. EEO STATEMENT The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr