Janice Harris
Teaneck,NJ
Summary
A competent and experienced Human Resource Professional with excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills and over 8 years of experience in areas of recruiting, on-boarding, training and development as well as benefits administration. Recognized as a critical thinker and quick learner with the ability to research, analyze and resolve complex issues, my strengths include managing several projects simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines. I gained a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a concentration in Human Resource in 2015 and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management in 2018. Currently employed as a Pension Analyst at Zenith American Solutions LLC, I specialize in areas of benefit calculation, data valuation, financial reconciliation and pension eligibility determination. Strategic Pension Analyst possessing in-depth knowledge of pension plan administration and regulatory compliance. Strengths include strong analytical skills, ability to streamline processes for efficiency, and aptitude for interpreting complex pension regulations. Previous roles have involved advising on pension strategy, ensuring adherence to legislative requirements, and developing innovative solutions to improve service delivery.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pension Analyst
Zenith American Solutions
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Calculated pension and annuity benefits for the production of estimate worksheet and distribution of member benefits
- Researched pension and vesting credits to determine pension eligibility
- Assembled, examined and processed pension and annuity applications for accuracy and required supporting documentation
- Maintained pension records and updated member data base to ensure information integrity
- Responded to member inquiries and researched and resolved pension and annuity issues
- Administered, reviewed and analyzed pension plan to ensure compliance with IRS regulations
- Assisted with annual data valuation, audits and check production and performed monthly reconciliation
- Determined eligibility and calculated Required Minimum Distributions
- Developed reports on pension plan performance, including actuarial valuations, benefit calculations, and fund investments.
- Conducted detailed analysis of pension plan documents to ensure compliance with federal regulations and laws.
- Reviewed participant data to identify errors in contributions or benefits due.
- Monitored changes in applicable laws and regulations related to pensions and retirement plans.
- Assisted clients with processing enrollments, distributions, transfers, loans, beneficiary designations, and other transactions related to their retirement accounts.
- Provided technical assistance to clients regarding questions about their individual retirement accounts or pension plans.
- Performed periodic audits of client records to ensure accuracy of data entered into computer systems.
- Responded promptly and accurately to inquiries from participants regarding their individual retirement accounts or pension plans.
- Ensured all required documentation was collected prior to initiating any transaction involving an employee's account balance or benefit payments.
- Maintained updated knowledge of relevant tax laws affecting employer sponsored retirement programs.
- Collaborated with internal departments such as accounting and legal counsel when necessary while performing duties associated with administering a defined benefit plan.
- Educated clients on rules and regulations of retirement plans and answered related questions.
Multi-line Insurance Producer
Peter Arcuri Agency/ Allstate Insurance
Edgewater, NJ
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Analyzed, researched and resolved customer concerns and problems using company appropriate procedures
- Provided consultation to clients to determine suitable products for their individual needs
- Collected and processed monthly policy payments and researched billing issues
- Marketed several insurance products using various media and methods
Sr. Benefits Administrator
Conduent
Secaucus, NJ
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Assisted in the development and implementation of employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision life, 401k and pension plans
- Coordinated research and resolved claims and eligibility issues, billing errors and discrepancies in a timely manner
- Served as a subject matter expert for employee benefit questions and concerns
- Maintained accurate records of benefit enrollments, changes in compliance with State and Federal regulations
- Supported the annual enrollment process, including distribution and communication of materials, employee support and system testing
- Provided information to participants about loan balances, interest rates, available funds and eligibility for loans and withdrawals and assisted with the application process for various transactions
- Managed the reporting of participant deaths and facilitated the commencement of benefits to surviving beneficiaries
- Participated in special projects and initiatives related to the total rewards programs
- Provided technical advice and guidance regarding employee benefits issues.
- Managed open enrollment periods, including preparing materials and responding to inquiries from employees.
- Investigated claims involving disputed eligibility or coverage decisions.
- Maintained records of all enrollments, terminations, changes in status, beneficiary designations and other transactions related to employee benefits.
- Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
- Administered employee insurance, pension and savings plans, working with insurance brokers and plan carriers.
Multi-line Insurance Producer
J Quigley Agency/ Allstate Insurance
Teaneck, NJ
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Exceeded company established insurance production quotas every month contributing to the financial development of the agency
- Provided assistance to new clients with the completion of insurance policy application forms and other pertinent documents
- Collected and compiled customer information for the creation of and maintenance of new client accounts
- Performed administrative tasks including drafting departmental correspondence, generating productivity reports, and establishing and maintaining client accounts while ensuring confidentiality
Office Manager
Jerry Traille Agency/State Farm Insurance
Paterson, NJ
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Supervised a team of insurance producers and directed the everyday operations of the office
- Maintained staffing needs of the agency by screening, recruiting, selecting and orienting new hires and conducting training sessions on proprietary computer programs and office procedures
- Spearheaded several successful marketing projects that helped the agency to win many regional production competitions
- Streamlined the process of the initial contact with prospective clients to securing those clients as satisfied clients resulting in an 8% increase in production over a 2 year period
- Interpreted and effectively communicated work procedures and corporate policies in accordance with all state and federal laws
- Directed weekly production meetings to discuss strategy, gauge progress and to ensure cohesion and collaboration between staff members
- Conducted annual staff performance reviews and skills assessments
Education
M.B.A. - Management- Human Resources
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN12.2018
B.S. - Management – Human Resources
Berkeley College
Clifton, NJ12.2015
Skills
- Client/vendor relations
- Customer service
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Critical thinking
- Written/verbal communication
- Human Resources
- Benefits
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Third Party Administration
- Effective Communication
- Written Communication
- Policy Interpretation
Certification
Associate Professional in Human Resources
Timeline
Pension Analyst
Zenith American Solutions
01.2021 - 01.2024
Multi-line Insurance Producer
Peter Arcuri Agency/ Allstate Insurance
01.2020 - 01.2021
Sr. Benefits Administrator
Conduent
01.2017 - 01.2020
Multi-line Insurance Producer
J Quigley Agency/ Allstate Insurance
01.2013 - 01.2016
Office Manager
Jerry Traille Agency/State Farm Insurance
01.2007 - 01.2013
M.B.A. - Management- Human Resources
Capella University
B.S. - Management – Human Resources
Berkeley College