Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Working on CEBS Certification
Timeline
Generic

Keri Winkler

Jenison,MI

Summary

Experienced Human Resources Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the Construction & Auto industry. Currently working in the E-Learning Industry. Skilled in all generalist facets of Human Resources with a focus on Benefits. Strong relationship management & commercial acumen backed by a M.B.A with a concentration in Human Resources Management Collaborative individual with expertise in providing exemplary service regarding benefits support. Multitasking Benefits Specialist knowledgeable in state and federal regulations and maintaining employee confidentiality. Self-motivated Benefits Specialist demonstrating superior understanding of employee benefits laws and human resource software systems. Astute professional providing benefits support in fast-paced corporate settings.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr. Benefits Specialist

Learning Technologies Group
08.2021 - 03.2023
  • Lead Annual Enrollment, including requirements review, client acceptance testing, web & communications updates, and troubleshooting, Assists all employee benefit programs, such as medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits, life insurance, accident and disability insurance, COBRA, flexible spending programs, and AES’s 401(k) plan Serves as the subject matter expert for management and the first point of contact for the Company’s employees regarding all employee benefits issues, concerns, and questions Researches and resolves employee benefits issues and work with vendor’s & employee service providers to address questions and concerns Stays abreast of changes in existing laws, rules, regulations, and best practices applicable to the HR field, and, specifically, employee benefits administration Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in HRIS system to provide payroll and carriers with accurate eligibility information Manages the HSA, FSA accounts in regards to suspended funds and or pending accounts processes Coordinates implementation of benefits or related policy and procedure changes, conduct benefit orientation Processes and administers all leave-of-absence requests as it pertain to employees disability paperwork: medical, personal, ADA, and FMLA Processing of vendor invoices, reconciliations monthly Work collaboratively with broker, vendor partners, finance, and payroll staff to reconcile ongoing, mid-year, and year-end plan financials, plan contributions, and related funding issues

Benefits Specialist

Builders First SOurce
10.2019 - 08.2021
  • Managed daily operation of the Health & Welfare plans for ~12,000 American Team Members, including program maintenance and problem-solving
  • Handled benefits administration functions relating to a variety of areas such as ID cards, enrollment, status changes, and eligibility and maintains Ceridian Primary Leave of Absence (LOA) administrator
  • Maintained tracking database in conjunction with vendor reports, Administered benefits direct bill process of employees during LOA period (collecting premiums, non-payment notifications, termination of benefits), Worked with Managers, HR consultants and business partners, and Benefits leader to identify and resolve questions, consult, monitor and close LOAs timely, Administers and tracks workers’ compensation and coordinates as applicable with FMLA or other state leave laws
  • Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
  • Explained benefits to plan participants in easy to understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
  • Assisted in resolving complex benefits issues, leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Educated managers on current benefit offerings and policies, enabling them to better assist their teams with questions or concerns.
  • Processed employee life event changes, ensuring timely updates to benefits and coverage for qualifying events such as marriage or the birth of a child.
  • Observed strict procedures to maintain data and plan participant confidentiality.
  • Updated HRIS systems as needed to reflect benefit-related changes accurately, maintaining up-to-date records for all team members.
  • Maintained compliance with federal regulations regarding FMLA, ADA, and other relevant laws governing employee benefits.
  • Collaborated with payroll department to ensure accurate deductions related to employee benefits plans were processed correctly each pay period.
  • Enhanced understanding of benefit offerings with effective communication materials and presentations.
  • Coordinated and conducted employee orientations to promote understanding of coverage and options.
  • Checked employees' benefits enrollment for accuracy and inputted all data into [Software].
  • Performed benefits audits to identify discrepancies and opportunities for improvement in plan design or administration.
  • Maintained thorough knowledge of industry trends and best practices within the realm of employee benefits, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning efforts on behalf of the company.
  • Built relationships with vendors to foster quality service delivery.
  • Created employee education programs to improve understanding of benefits packages and increase utilization.
  • Conducted annual open enrollment sessions to ensure employees were well-informed about their options and plan changes.
  • Participated in annual benefit plan review meetings with senior leadership, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for future plan design adjustments.
  • Negotiated cost-effective contracts with insurance carriers, resulting in significant savings for the company.
  • Managed COBRA compliance, ensuring timely notifications and accurate administration for former employees.
  • Partnered with vendors to provide employee training on various topics such as retirement planning or health management strategies, empowering staff members to make informed decisions about their personal wellbeing.
  • Assisted with design and implementation of various employee benefits programs.
  • Streamlined benefits administration processes for improved efficiency and reduced errors.

Benefits Specialist

Magna – SPring Hill Seating
07.2018 - 09.2019
  • Managed daily operation of the Health & Welfare plans for ~500 American Team Members, including program maintenance and problem-solving
  • Acts as point of contact for escalated ADP issues, handle all NMSN and QMSOs, completes state-specific disability forms, etc
  • Primary Leave of Absence (LOA) administrator Maintained tracking database in conjunction with vendor reports, Administered benefits direct bill process of employees during LOA period (collecting premiums, non-payment notifications, termination of benefits), Administered and tracks workers’ compensation and coordinates as applicable with FMLA or other state leave laws, Coordinated Waiver of Premiums with Benefits TPA; Primary contact for Workers’ Compensation process, worked with business leaders to determine opportunities, Chairperson for Magna wellness programs and events - coordinated and scheduled meetings with benefit vendors, Annual Open Enrollment reviewing materials, testing file uploads into HRIS/Payroll system, etc
  • Maintained compliance schedule and assists with annual plan audits, regulatory reporting such as 5500s and compliance testing of retirement and welfare benefit plans.

Benefits Specialist

LKQ – Keystone Corporation
07.2017 - 07.2018
  • Managed daily operation of the Health & Welfare plans for ~19,000 American Team Members, including program maintenance and problem-solving
  • Managed the National Medical Support Notice process (QMSCOs) Facilitated file transfers between Kronos, for ACA purposes, and to ensure employee information is transmitted correctly and securely
  • Identify, evaluate, and solve potential process errors or inefficiencies with a goal of continuous process improvement.

Human Resource Manager

The Jones COmpany
04.2016 - 06.2017
  • Oversaw the planning, direction, and management of all HR-department activities including staff recruiting, screening, testing, and hiring in compliance with Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment standards for an organization with 150 exempt/nonexempt employees at multiple locations
  • Supported senior management in policy development and compliance with governmental regulations
  • Developed and delivered agency-wide orientation, training, development programs, and performance evaluations
  • Managed Workers Compensation Claim/Unemployment Claims and attended hearings
  • Played a vital role in rebuilding the Human Resources Department by updating Human Resource systems
  • Created training programs and trained supervisors and managers in human resources policies, candidate selection, disciplinary processes, employee relations, harassment training, performance evaluations, and interviewing techniques
  • Responsible for all benefit administrations, along with the reevaluation of benefit plans and welfare plans
  • Partnered with company Broker (COWAN)
  • Developed new-hire orientation program, welcome kits for new employees, created PowerPoint presentations, streamlined the onboarding process, and created new-hire metrics to establish a correlation between improved culture to decreased turnover
  • Processed weekly payroll using ADP Workforce for both hourly and salary employees
  • Processed Monthly and quarterly bonuses.

Human Resource generalist

GBW RailCar Services
01.2014 - 03.2016
  • Primary HR point of contact for multi-shop team members
  • Ensured personnel files are kept in accordance with legal requirements and corporate policy
  • Tracked attendance and ensures the corporate policy is consistently enforced
  • Assisted with employee relations issues under the direction of the Regional Human Resource Manager
  • Conducted and/or oversees new employee orientation
  • Responsible for onboarding new hires (paperwork, training, equipment, etc.)
  • Coordinated all HR paperwork including changes, payroll workflow, terms, etc
  • (maintains I9 forms)
  • Responsible for Worker Compensation Case Management and filing First Report of Injury
  • Assisted in delivering various HR policies, location work rules, programs and procedures
  • Assisted with the hiring process by coordinating job postings, reviewing resumes, performing telephone interviews and reference checks, along with other local recruiting activities.

Human Resource generalist

AMI Metals
10.2008 - 01.2014
  • Processed payroll for 300 employees; maintain compliance with payroll law; payroll reporting Processed third-party sick pay and ensured correct accounting/reconciliation
  • Audited and maintained all payroll tax issues and reconciled with the accounting department
  • Was the payroll representative for company audits
  • Maintained up-to-date personnel records
  • Processed employee wage garnishments and maintains tracking
  • Assisted HR Manager and other company Managers in employee investigations, write-ups and counseling Responsible for set-up and continued maintenance of Ceridian, ADP and Reliance web systems
  • Responsible for the set-up and maintenance of all employee files and records.

Education

M.B.A - Business Administration

South University of Savannah, GA
06.2013

Skills

  • Research and analytical skills
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of employee benefits and laws
  • Computer proficiency
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Benefits Administration Expertise
  • Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
  • FMLA Administration
  • HRIS System Experience
  • Relationship Building
  • Benefits Explanation
  • Employee Relations
  • Documentation And Reporting
  • New employee orientations
  • Benefits Administration
  • Employee benefits laws
  • Special projects
  • Human Resources Management
  • Employment law knowledge

Working on CEBS Certification

Taking Courses to earn my CEBS certification

Timeline

Sr. Benefits Specialist

Learning Technologies Group
08.2021 - 03.2023

Benefits Specialist

Builders First SOurce
10.2019 - 08.2021

Benefits Specialist

Magna – SPring Hill Seating
07.2018 - 09.2019

Benefits Specialist

LKQ – Keystone Corporation
07.2017 - 07.2018

Human Resource Manager

The Jones COmpany
04.2016 - 06.2017

Human Resource generalist

GBW RailCar Services
01.2014 - 03.2016

Human Resource generalist

AMI Metals
10.2008 - 01.2014

M.B.A - Business Administration

South University of Savannah, GA

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Keri Winkler