Working/Functional Title
Benefits Budget Officer
Position Summary
MSU Human Resources sponsors a comprehensive suite of group benefit plans—including health, prescription drug, and dental insurance—for eligible employees and retirees. The Benefits Budget Officer is responsible for financial reporting, analysis, and budgeting that supports the effective management and long-term sustainability of these programs. This role provides critical insight into financial trends, including health insurance claims, and helps the Finance and Total Rewards teams meet strategic priorities through data-informed decision-making.
Salary
The salary range for this position is fixed at $82,685 – $91,600. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.
Remote Work Capability
This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required 1-2 days per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department – and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.
What You’ll Do
As the Benefits Budget Officer, you will:
- Lead budgeting for employee benefit plans, including cost reporting, financial analysis, and rate forecasting in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors/consultants.
- Develop financial models, dashboards, and analyses, including detailed review of self-funded insurance claims, to support strategic financial planning within Total Rewards and HR.
- Produce financial reporting, modeling, and statistical calculations as assigned to support decision-making across Benefits, HR leadership, and collective bargaining.
- Support HR financial operations, including accounting, treasury, transaction reporting, trend analysis, procurement activities (with participation in selected RFPs for MSU benefit plans), budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
- Monitor, aggregate, and validate employee benefits data, including claims and enrollment information, to assess financial impacts and support actuarial valuation of Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities.
- Assist HR and the MSU Controller’s Office with fiscal year-end close processes, internal audit activities, and external financial audits.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets, including health insurance claims.
- Experience in budgeting, forecasting, or financial planning—ideally within benefits, insurance, or a related industry.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, vendors, consultants, and cross-functional HR partners.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to data integrity.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey financial insights clearly to non-financial audiences.
Why Join Us
At MSU Human Resources, you will help shape the financial sustainability of benefits that support thousands of employees and retirees. You’ll work with collaborative teams, contribute to meaningful institutional decision-making, and enjoy a workplace committed to professional development, data-informed strategy, and the long-term well-being of the Spartan community.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Data Science or a related field; more than five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in budget administration and financial analysis; experience with accounting practices; proficiency with spreadsheet software; experience in preparing financial reports and data validation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in administration or financial operations of group employee benefit plans including health, prescription, or dental insurance; technical knowledge of insurance, benefit funding mechanisms, governmental plans, or institutions of higher education; an organized, resourceful self-starter with consistent follow-though and attention to detail will thrive in this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Cover Letter
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://hr.msu.edu/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding Eligibility ends February 3, 2026 at 11:55 PM
