HR Benefits & Operations Specialist

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Incorporated in 1964, Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc. (“DCMA”) is a New York-based registered securities broker-dealer, a futures commission merchant, a primary dealer of U.S. Treasury securities, and a member of the New York Stock Exchange and other major U.S. exchanges. Our main focus is on the sales and trading of Japanese, Asian, and U.S. equities, fixed income instruments, financial futures, and investment banking for institutional customers. DCMA’s ultimate parent company is Daiwa Securities Group Inc., one of the largest brokerage and financial services groups in Japan.

Summary Of Position

The HR Benefits and Operations Specialist plays a key support role in helping employees understand and access their benefits, while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and internal processes. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. The Specialist will serve as a point of contact for benefit related questions and support HR initiatives related to health welfare, leave management, HRIS data integrity, wellness programs and systems support. This role also offers opportunities to recommend process improvements and contribute to a positive and efficient employee experience.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Benefits Administration:

• Manage all benefit life events (e.g., enrollments, changes COBRA, terminations) and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Serve a primary contact for employee benefit inquiries, escalating complex issues as necessary.
• Partner with third party vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely data exchange and issue resolution.
• Assist with annual benefits open enrollment, including planning, employee communication, system testing and audit support.
• Maintain accurate benefit records and documentation, ensuring data integrity across HRIS and vendor systems.

HRIS Maintenance and Data Integrity:

• Maintain and update employee data in the HRIS system (ADP Workforce Now), including new hires, termination, life events and benefit elections.
• Perform routine audits of HRIS data to ensure accuracy and compliance across all employee records related to benefits, leave and eligibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to benefits data in the HRIS system in partnership with vendors and the HR team.
• Support the implementation and ongoing enhancements of HR systems and tools to improve efficiency and employee experience.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure benefits plans and processes remain compliant with company policy and federal/state regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA).
• Support internal and external audits by providing reports, documentation, and explanations as needed.
• Track leave of absence requests and coordinate with payroll and HR to ensure accurate processing.
• Generate and analyze reports from the HRIS system to support compliance, benefit usage trends and decision making.

Process Optimization and Projects:

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and improve employee satisfaction.
• Assist in developing and maintaining SOPs for benefit administration and HRIS usage, ensuring consistency and transparency.
• Collaborate on cross functional HR initiatives and provide support for ad hoc projects.
• Participate in the development and delivery of benefit education sessions, materials and communication strategies.

Employee Experience and Communication:

• Provide a high level of customer service in responding to employee inquiries related to benefits, HRIS access and leave.
• Act as a liaison between employees and benefit providers to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
• Prepare and distribute employee communications for wellness programs, policy updates and benefit reminders.
• Provide training or guidance to employees and HR team members on navigating the HRIS system for benefit related items.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• 2 – 4 years of experience in an HR, benefits, or administrative support role
• Knowledge of benefit programs and ability to develop procedures and best practices related to HR and Benefit plan administration
• Ability to process confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Intermediate to advanced use of computers and Microsoft Office Suite Applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and applications related to Human Resources, Benefit and Payroll Administration.
• ADP Workforce Now system experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and a helpful, team-oriented attitude

Company Culture and Benefits:

Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc. has a vibrant company culture made up of a diverse team of professionals. We seek to foster an atmosphere in which our employees understand, respect, and inspire each other. We will continue to build a culture that encourages everyone at DCMA to take pride in their work. How we work – individually, with each other, and with our communities – is just as important as what we do and shapes who we are as an organization.

Our people are our most important asset, and as a result, we offer a competitive and robust total rewards package which includes, but is not limited to:

• Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental and Vision)
• Ancillary Insurance (Basic Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, and Short & Long-term Disability)
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts (FSA and HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Parental Leave
• Family building benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Professional development, educational assistance and training programs
• Community Engagement Programs

DCMA has a hybrid work program in place, with opportunities for remote work depending on the nature of the role and needs of your department. This was implemented to provide operational efficiency while simultaneously giving employees flexibility. At a minimum, employees are expected to work in the office three days per week.

DCMA provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. DCMA prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, or other attributes protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.