Barbara Watts Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Deerfield, Il - Illinois, Us

Deerfield, Il - Illinois, Us

• Oversee all client accounts utilizing the bswift technology platform including regular maintenance, system upgrades, strategic initiatives, and open enrollments.• Responsible for new client implementations — working with clients to define eligibility and plan requirements, site configuration, data conversion, building system integration for payroll and carrier files, provide client training for both administrators and end users. • Managed all inbound and outbound data for clients on bswift platform, including building data mappers, creating HIPAA complaint EDI file feeds (both standard 834 and proprietary), file testing, data validation, and ongoing file maintenance. • Worked directly with cross-functional teams to establish best practices and standardized workstreams to optimize efficiencies.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Maintain the day-to-day operations for a client of over 440,000 active lives• Ensure the accurate processing of 815 weekly inbound files• Develop and automated dual-year annual enrollment solution for both inbound and outbound data• Actively work to identify potential risks or delays and, when appropriate, initiate action plans or alternative solutions• Work with Product Management to identify areas for improvement, define requirements and test enhancements. Create the necessary requirements, QA process and monitor to ensure successful implementation. • Lead system demonstrations and training sessions for both internal team and client contacts• Co-managed a team of six analysts and three managers

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Responsible for working with client to define eligibility and plan requirements ensuring most effective site configuration and best customer experience• Consult on and implement best practices with clients for unique plan designs• Work with Product Management to identify areas for improvement, define requirements and test enhancements• Anticipate risks or delays and, when appropriate, initiate action plans or alternative solutions• Responsible for ensuring the accurate conversion of data from previous source to bswift, including requirements gathering, testing and audits• Responsible for ensuring success of ongoing data transfers between bswift and client, including payroll files, demographic feeds, and ad hoc reporting• Work with client carriers and internal EDI team to implement carrier file feeds• Manage implementation quality assurance both internally and externally by overseeing testing process and reviewing results for accuracy• Lead system demonstrations and training sessions for both internal team and client contacts• Ensure smooth transition to ongoing teams, by creating and managing all necessary internal documentation and client-specific training• Earned ABX Yellow Belt Certification to expand my skill-set and improve efficiency

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Principle contact for entire firm as employee benefits liaison by conducting benefits orientation for all new hires, coordinating on and off-boarding processes, answering plan-related questions, resolving insurance/vendor issues, and providing technical support for the benefits portal.• Technical lead for initial data preparation and transfers, ongoing system support, and configuration of the Benefits module of UltiPro. Previously, system administrator and technical support for bSwift benefits portal.• Lead a project to transition the firm's Flexible Spending Account and commuter benefit programs from in-house management to third party administration, including logistic planning and coordination, implementation of initial and ongoing data exchanges, employee communication campaigns, and training seminars.• Point of contact for business leaders including Director of Risk Management and the Chief Financial Officer for quarterly and yearly benefits audits. • Developed and coordinated information campaigns for benefits-related seminars, open enrollment and other plan changes.• Managed ongoing vendor relationships including plan billing, contract negotiations, and issue resolution.• Supporting benefits administration for up to 650 employees (six offices, two countries), across multiple departments including shareholders, legal staff, accounting, operations and support staff.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Primary benefits contact for the data preparation for and implementation of the benefits module of a new HRIS system (UltiPro). Technical support for both benefits portals (bSwift and UltiPro). Designed reports for improved billing and benefits analysis.• Developed benefits communications and coordinated information campaigns for benefits-related seminars, open enrollment and other plan changes; responsible for conducting new hire benefits orientations; answering plan-related questions, resolving insurance issues.• Lead a project to document and improve the processes and workflows for both the HR and Benefits teams.• Created a complete Wellness strategy, including budgeting, planning, and hosting events; managing the gym contract renewals and subsequent employee memberships and related payroll deductions for five offices. • Earned distinction as Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator. Designed and implemented new firm-wide ergonomics initiative.• Account administrator for firm’s back-up care program and all other firm discounts.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Established new hire onboarding process, including new training materials.• Served as the sole back-up to the Benefits Manager handling confidential matters; including answering plan-related questions, resolving insurance issues, and providing technical support for the online benefits portal.• Lead a project to ensure firm compliance with relevant HR and benefits regulations. Researched, organized and revised two company policy and procedure manuals. Updated the records retention policies and filing systems for benefits and human resources information.• Partnered with IS team to create a new system of record for storing employee addresses, contact information, and relevant work information. Lead testing, product review, data input/verification, and creation of user materials. Maintained data integrity and system management post-implementation. • System Administrator for firm HR systems, including viDesktop, Firm Directory, eTIME, bSwift.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Partnered with IS department to select, test, and implement new software. Resulted in the implementation of new time management software (eTIME/ADP). Supported configuration and testing of software pre-release. Provided training and technical support for all hourly staff on utilizing the new software.• Established and maintained vendor relationships, including vendor selection and billing management.• Partnered with the Marketing team during firm rename and rebrand initiative. Transitioned the firm to a new vendor resulting in significant cost savings during the rebrand. Responsible for the firm-wide order of business cards and other printed collateral for the firm, as well as, digital signatures for each employee.• Served as a back-up to the Telecommunications Coordinator, including during two extended leaves of absence. Supported the phone system in the firm’s three offices. Lead the transition to a new model of phone, including system programming, creation of training materials, technical support and training sessions.• Handled other administrative tasks as needed, including coordinating domestic and international travel arrangements and relevant materials; maintaining firm address and extension directories, assigning keycards and employee access rights.• Report up to the Director of Administration, Human Resources Manager, Special Projects Manager and Benefits Manager supporting all employees across all locations.

Resolved customer complaints; assisted over the phone sales; oversaw all online orders and served as technical support to web customers; acted as sole customer service representative on the website planning committee; worked with marketing department on the catalog; proved adaptability and flexibility by working in every department

Researched, organized and wrote company procedure manuals; updated filing system; helped office become HIPAA compliant; researched patient accounts and recovered several thousand dollars of missing payments; corresponded with insurance companies and patients, while maintaining confidentiality

Master Of Business Administration - Mba

B.A., History

B.A., Media And Public Communication