**_We’re committed to being the clean energy leader in Louisiana. By investing in renewables like solar and utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology to make our air cleaner, we’re in this for the long haul, because our state and future generations depend on it. Come be a part of our journey at Cleco where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow._** The Benefits Analyst is an experienced professional with knowledge of and some experience with employee benefit principles, practices, concepts, and theories. Responsible for supporting the administration of active employee benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, employee assistance program, flexible spending options, wellness program, and 401(k) and pension plan while maintaining strict confidentiality. This role may identify improvements to employee benefits activities and procedures. Assures compliance with all applicable state and federal regulation. **Key Responsibilities** + Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence. + Maintains the highest level of confidentiality + Achieves results by owning and executing employee benefit activities autonomously as well as within a team environment + Day-to-day operations of administering all benefits programs including analyzing data, research of issues, working to resolve issues, and knowledge of when escalation is necessary + Provides management with insights, reports, and analysis used for decision-making + Utilizes HR standards, procedures, and processes, providing recommendations for process improvements, and identification of risks, as necessary. Willing and able to learn new technologies + Coordinates the design and communication of annual benefit enrollment materials + Assures processes and procedures are in place to capture and maintain consistent and accurate benefit related data for actives, retirees, and terminated vested employees. Assists with employee data auditing and reporting. + Responsible for data necessary to complete government compliance activities (5500s, SPD’s, SAR’s, audits, etc.), employee mailings, vendor billings, coordinating data collection and updating numerous reports for management. + Along with other benefits team members, manage relationships with outsourced benefits administration provider along with other numerous benefit partners to ensure efficient and effective service while maintaining corporate compliance. Work diligently with all external benefits partners to ensure accuracy and integrity of data + Manage communications related to compliance notices and other benefit-related notices to employees and retirees + Support payroll processes as needed **Qualifications / Requirements** + Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field + 2-5+ years of related experience + Experience with Workday or other HRIS system a plus + Experience in U.S. benefits programs and benefits administration management, U.S. benefits compliance and regulations including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ACA, preferred + Must be credible and approachable working effectively with employees at all levels within the company + Stays abreast of new and emerging trends and best practices related to the HR and the industry + Customer focused with an employee experience driven mindset + Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Excel using pivot tables and Vlookup functions **(Preferred)** + Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data. + Licenses and Certifications ( **Preferred)** + SHRM or HRCI certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP), **(Preferred)** **Key Competencies** BEHAVIORAL + Balances stakeholders + Builds effective teams + Business insight + Communicates effectively + Courage + Demonstrates self-awareness + Drives Results + Drives Vision and Purpose + -Ensures Accountability + Instills trust + Nimble learning + Plans and Aligns + Safety + Strategic mindset TECHNICAL + Analytical skills + Compliance + Employee Benefits + Policy and Regulation May perform other duties as assigned.