Data Research Analyst

Unleash your potential by joining our team as a Data Research Analyst. At PERA, you can support those who have supported you whether it's a favorite teacher, the snowplow driver that cleared winter roads or the state trooper who let you off with a warning. Chances are these people who make a difference are PERA members and you can make a difference to those who have helped you.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations concerning reported salaries, required contributions, and post-retirement employment provisions. The role involves verifying, compiling, and analyzing information from internal and external sources, as well as effectively communicating findings to employers, retirees, members, and other divisional teams or management. Additional responsibilities include conducting thorough audits of employer, retiree, and member account information related to benefits processing to ensure accuracy and compliance; and collaborating with other teams to communicate and address employer audit findings and implement corrective actions based on these results.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing. We are looking for an organized individual who shows initiative, adapts to changing priorities, and diligently follows up on workflow. If you take pride and ownership of your work, thrive in a team environment, and are committed to ensuring compliance with regulations, this opportunity would be a great fit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies and resolves minor compliance issues; develops recommendations and works with internal staff and management to resolve complex issues

• Analyzes, researches, and verifies employer, retiree, and member records to ensure accuracy and compliance of PERA benefit programs

• Demonstrates knowledge of state and federal statutes and rules governing PERA

• Utilizes analytical reasoning and math skills to identify discrepancies in reported salary and to perform a variety of defined benefit calculations

• Effectively communicates findings with employers, retirees, members, and internal stakeholders

• Follows procedural timelines to ensure appropriate and successful resolutions in daily processing and special projects

• Fosters relationships with other divisional teams and PERA employers

• Works with team members to prepare and develop annual audit strategy and timeline

• Prepares, reports, and presents information in a meaningful and logical manner

• Communicates benefit program information via telephone, written correspondence, and email

• Makes recommendations for process improvements

• Responsible for data entry, information retrieval, written correspondence, and mailings

• Participates in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development

• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace

• Carries out other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to 3 years of benefits administration

• Detail-oriented with an aptitude for math

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and SharePoint

• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Extremely organized with effective time-management skills

• Ability to work successfully both independently and within a team-focused environment

• Ability to comprehend and communicate legal requirements

• Ability to deal professionally with time sensitive and/or confidential information and situations

• Ability to prioritize and work with minimal supervision

• Experience with benefit calculations and processing strongly preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office environment with frequent to constant computer and telephone use

• Occasional lifting, moving, or carrying materials and equipment weighing in excess of 20 pounds

• Occasional travel as necessary for business purposes

• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry

HYBRID WORK OPTION

• Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

JOB DESCRIPTION DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future) or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERAs Ethics Policy, and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading. You may request copies of these policies from PERAs talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERAs Investment Administration team.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES

• Describe why this position interests you and how it fits with your career goals.

• Can you describe your experience working in a compliance centric role and how you've handled challenges related to ensuring adherence to regulations and standards?

Upon submission of your application, you will be provided a link to a pre-employment skills assessment. You may complete this assessment immediately following your application submission or you may log into your account and complete this at a time which works better for you.

ABOUT COLORADO PERA

Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorados largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 600,000 members who are former and current public employees.

At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees growth through training and leadership opportunities.

To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERAs defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.