Carrie Quirarte
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience supporting HR operations, benefits administration, compliance, HR systems, and payroll coordination. Proven ability to manage employee benefit programs, support regulatory compliance, resolve complex benefits issues, and serve as a trusted HR resource for employees. Experienced in HRIS platforms including Paycor and Employee Navigator and skilled in vendor management, employee communication, and benefits program administration. Seeking to contribute broad HR operations experience in an HR Specialist role.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefits Specialist
ExplorUS
07.2024 - Current
- Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and retirement plans across multiple locations.
- Manage benefit enrollments, eligibility verification, and payroll deductions using HRIS systems including Paycor and Employee Navigator.
- Serve as primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits, eligibility, coverage changes, and payroll deduction questions.
- Coordinate with insurance carriers, vendors, and third-party administrators to resolve benefit and coverage issues.
- Support ACA compliance activities including eligibility tracking and preparation of annual reporting documentation.
- Administer COBRA continuation processes and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Led coordination of benefits administration across multiple company locations to maintain accurate enrollments and payroll deductions.
- Resolved complex benefits discrepancies between payroll systems, vendors, and insurance carriers to improve data accuracy.
- Supported system integration and administration of Paycor and Employee Navigator for benefit enrollments and eligibility tracking.
- Managed employee communication related to benefit changes, vendor transitions, and coverage updates.
- Identified and corrected benefit deduction errors, improving payroll accuracy and employee records.
Senior Benefits Administrator
Americo Services, Inc.
Kansas City, MO
04.2018 - 01.2024
- Administered employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and HSA plans.
- Managed open enrollment processes including system configuration, employee communication, and vendor coordination.
- Served as primary contact for insurance carriers and vendors to resolve benefit and eligibility issues.
- Ensured compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA regulations through accurate documentation and reporting.
- Partnered with payroll and HR teams to ensure accurate benefit deductions and employee records.
Benefits Administrator
Americo Services, Inc.
Kansas City, MO
05.2010 - 04.2018
- Administered employee benefit programs including health plans, FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, and retirement plans.
- Maintained HRIS data integrity and employee eligibility tracking.
- Supported employee onboarding and benefit orientation.
- Provided daily employee support regarding benefits, eligibility, and plan changes.
Payroll Administrator
Americo Services, Inc.
Kansas City, MO
02.2007 - 05.2010
- Processed payroll for over 500 employees including bonuses, merit increases, and adjustments.
- Ensured payroll compliance with company policies and government regulations.
- Maintained payroll and employee records with strong attention to confidentiality.
HR Administrative Assistant
Americo Services, Inc.
Kansas City, MO
02.2006 - 02.2007
- Provided administrative support to the Vice President of Human Resources.
- Coordinated corporate meetings, conventions, and HR events.
- Prepared reports and maintained HR department documentation.
COBRA Administrator
The Taben Group
Overland Park, KS
05.2000 - 01.2006
- Administered COBRA continuation coverage including eligibility tracking and employee communications.
- Maintained detailed records of claims, payments, and compliance notices.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources
University of Missouri Kansas City
Associate of Arts - Travel and Tourism
Iowa Lakes Community College
Skills
- Benefits Administration
- HRIS Systems (Paycor, Employee Navigator, ADP)
- ACA Compliance and 1095 Reporting
- COBRA Administration
- Leave Administration (FMLA, ADA)
- Payroll Coordination
- Employee Onboarding Support
- Vendor and Carrier Management
- Open Enrollment Management
- Employee Communications
- HR Data Reporting and Auditing
- Compliance Documentation
Certification
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) – International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Timeline
Benefits Specialist
ExplorUS
07.2024 - Current
Senior Benefits Administrator
Americo Services, Inc.
04.2018 - 01.2024
Benefits Administrator
Americo Services, Inc.
05.2010 - 04.2018
Payroll Administrator
Americo Services, Inc.
02.2007 - 05.2010
HR Administrative Assistant
Americo Services, Inc.
02.2006 - 02.2007
COBRA Administrator
The Taben Group
05.2000 - 01.2006
Associate of Arts - Travel and Tourism
Iowa Lakes Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources
University of Missouri Kansas City