Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Computer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Laura S. Acke

Palatine,IL

Summary

HR professional with extensive background in managing employee benefits and ensuring regulatory compliance. Recognized for ability to enhance benefits administration processes and improve employee satisfaction. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability to dynamic environments. Skilled in benefits communication and problem-solving.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Benefits Specialist

BradyPLUS, LLC
05.2022 - Current
  • Key business partner with the HR Team
  • 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.
  • Tracked employees out on leave of absence or FMLA. Work closely with Leave Administrator and HR Team for updates on the employee's disability or leave status.
  • Assisted in resolving complex benefits issues, leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Lead company information sessions and program executions.
  • Educated managers on current benefit offerings and policies, enabling them to better assist their teams with questions or concerns.
  • Oversee and manage ongoing benefit education campaigns to the HR Team and employees
  • Processed employee life event changes, ensuring timely updates to benefits and coverage for qualifying events such as marriage or the birth of a child.
  • Supported 401k Broker and Third-Party Administrator during transitions of over fourteen 401k plans for new acquisitions.
  • 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.
  • Enhanced understanding of benefit offerings with effective communication materials and presentations.
  • Collaborated with payroll department to ensure accurate deductions related to employee benefits plans were processed correctly each pay period.
  • Checked employees' benefits enrollment for accuracy and inputted all data into ADP Workforce Now.
  • Collaborated with HR to develop and maintain up-to-date benefits manual.
  • Performed benefits audits to identify discrepancies and opportunities for improvement in plan design or administration.
  • Built relationships with vendors to foster quality service delivery.
  • 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.
  • Developed training materials for HR staff on benefits administration, elevating departmental knowledge and efficiency.

HR Coordinator

Bansley & Kiener, LLP (now Legacy Professionals)
06.2020 - 05.2022
  • Maintained human resources information system and kept employee files up to date and accurate.
  • Completed background and reference checks to facilitate hiring and onboarding of employees.
  • Conducted new employee onboarding and provided ongoing orientation training.Assisted in payroll processing, ensuring accurate compensation for all employees based on hours worked and applicable deductions.
  • Assisted with recruitment process by posting job ads, filtering applications, scheduling interviews, assisting in interview process and drafting offer letters.
  • Maintained accurate employee records in HRIS systems, enabling efficient data retrieval for reporting purposes.
  • Explained employee compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, and promotion opportunities.
  • Coordinated employee recognition programs, boosting morale and increasing overall satisfaction levels within the company.
  • Conducted exit interviews to gather valuable insights into areas for improvement within the organization.
  • Managed employee relations issues with tact, conducting investigations and providing guidance to managers for resolution.
  • Managed FMLA requests and ADA accommodations, maintaining compliance with federal guidelines while supporting employee wellbeing.

Benefits Specialist

3D Exhibits
02.2020 - 06.2020
  • Created new HR/Benefits role within the company, developed policies and procedures
  • Guided employees with questions related to company benefits, explained benefit plans, enrollment, and changes
  • Point of Contact for staff after layoffs and furloughs due to Covid-19
  • Assisted former employees in filing for State unemployment benefits
  • Met with potential insurance brokers to discuss new benefits programs to find ways to save expenses
  • Processed weekly union payroll and bi-weekly staff payroll using Paycom Software system

Administrative Assistant/Office Services

Arthur J. Gallagher & Company
10.2014 - 02.2020
  • Performed as a contact to assist in the transition process in mergers & acquisitions within the Risk Management division
  • Worked closely with newly acquired firms in preparation for onboarding to company policies and procedures
  • Cultivated key customer relationships by demonstrating exemplary customer service skills in relation to policies, payments, and insurance coverage
  • Organized team-building events, collaborated schedule and catering with management
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
  • Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
  • Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
  • Assisted in onboarding new employees, providing training materials, and coordinating orientation schedules to ensure a smooth integration into the team.
  • Collaborated on special projects as assigned by leadership, contributing research findings or coordinating event logistics as needed for success.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering strictly to data protection regulations.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

NATIONAL-LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Chicago, IL

Computer Experience

  • Microsoft Office
  • ADP WorkForce Now

Timeline

Benefits Specialist

BradyPLUS, LLC
05.2022 - Current

HR Coordinator

Bansley & Kiener, LLP (now Legacy Professionals)
06.2020 - 05.2022

Benefits Specialist

3D Exhibits
02.2020 - 06.2020

Administrative Assistant/Office Services

Arthur J. Gallagher & Company
10.2014 - 02.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

NATIONAL-LOUIS UNIVERSITY

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Laura S. Acke