US Benefits Compliance/Finance Specialist

US BenefitsCompliance/Finance Specialist

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical organization dedicated to the discovery,developmentand commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We need great people who share our passion for science and have the drive and determination to meet the unmet needs of patients around the world. Ifyou’recurious about what science can do, thenyou’reourkind of person. 

We are looking for a US Benefits Finance Specialist. This role ensures compliance with US Benefits Programs in partnership with the US Total Reward Director, Benefits Lead, and Controller. In thisroleyou will provide specialist advice and guidance to manage the risks associated with US Benefits. Support business relationships and provide analysis to guide business decision-making. Liaise with internal and external parties on behalf of the business whereappropriate. And you will act as a technical authority in US Benefit Plans,demonstratingexpertiseand solid understanding of fiscal and regulatory requirements associated with employee benefit plans. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assistin the production ofaccurate,timelymanagement reports for the business area.

• Develop and administer the overarching annual financial controls,complianceand assurance program

• Responsible for preparing and reviewing benefit plan financial statements and representations for statutory filing and reporting purposes in the US, supports external resources (e.g.actuary) in preparing financial statements, and reviews financial budgets for the US Reward Cost Center and US benefit plans

• Maintains current knowledge of regulatory and compliance related matters involving financial reporting, and the AZ US Benefits.

• Responsible for management reporting onbenefitsspend, and research, analysis and evaluation of benefit plans and programs.

• Partner with the US Benefits team on various health and welfare, retirementplan, and merger/acquisition projects, as needed.

• Responsible for management reporting of benefitsspendin the US.

• Leads the data collection, preparation, and review process for the US as it relates to annual financial statement audits, Form 5500, Form 11-k, Summary Annual Reports, Summary Material Modifications, and other required benefit plan required filings.

• Manages all aspects of the US benefit plans in compliance with Federal and State requirements, AZ and industry accounting policies, and withinappropriate controlsto ensure the validity and reliability of financial statements for the annual audits.

• Responsible for providing financial analysis,insightand trend data on Health & Welfare matters.

• Conduct reviews toidentifykey compliance issues and trends and recommend changes to benefits programs in the US.

• Develop and document procedures to streamline processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Supports program design analysis,budgetingand implementation of assigned projects.

• Compilesadhoc reports and data to be used in budgeting and forecasting

• Analyses the cost of ongoing plan management,and ofchanges tobenefitplans.

• Anticipate andplansfor long-term financial needs and trends.

• Engages with major stakeholders to obtain agreement for the implementation of changes tobenefitsfinancialstrategyin the US as the need arises.

• Lead all aspects of the implementation of financial and internal policies to ensure compliance with all applicable federal andstatelegislations such as ERISA, HIPAA, and ACA, etc.

• Develops and administers financial attributes of benefit plans.

• Liaises with HRIS, Payroll, and Benefits Administrator toidentify, retrieve and analyze relevant employee benefits data.

• Complete 3rd party risk management assessments, Privacy Impact Assessments, Transfer Impact Assessments for benefit suppliers and ensure benefit contracts and business associate agreements are updated for any regulatory updates.

• Reviews annual Service and Organization Controls (SOC) 1 reports for benefit suppliers to evaluate their internal controls relevant to financial reporting and processing.

• Support annual open enrollment and non-discrimination testing.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years ofrelevant experience includingemployee benefitsmanagement,finance, compliance,orlegal.

• Bachelor’s Degree(preferred inBusiness Administration,Financeor related field).

PreferredRequirements:

• Demonstrated understanding of various benefit plans.

• Detail oriented, strong problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively assess and diagnose business needs and develop impactful solutions.

• Abilityto quickly build relationships of trust and credibility with internalstakeholder-partnersand to be seen as a partner to the business.

• In-depth critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $88,454- $132,681 USD Annual.

Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we needto connect, work atpaceand challenge perceptions.That'swhy we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But thatdoesn'tmeanwe'renot flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our outstanding and ambitious world.

Ifyou'reready to make a significant impact on patients' lives by joining a team that followsthe sciencewith curiosity and courage, apply today!