Benefits Compliance Specialist

Company: FBT Gibbons LLP
Location: Houston
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 25 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve. At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions. We are currently seeking a Benefits Compliance Specialist to help ensure the firm’s employee benefit programs remain fully compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This role is critical to maintaining accurate administration, timely filings, and strong oversight of health, retirement, and other benefit plans. The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, and highly organized, with strong project management skills and a proven ability to navigate complex requirements while maintaining operational excellence. Applies a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to compliance projects, collaborates effectively across teams, and quickly adapts to evolving regulatory requirements such as ERISA and ACA. This position can be based in Charleston, WV; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Florence, KY; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN, Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; Pittsburgh, PA; or West Chester, OH. Key Responsibilities: Manage operational oversight of legal compliance requirements for the firm’s health and welfare and retirement plans, including reviewing legislation, monitoring regulatory changes and collaborating on solutions to ensure ongoing compliance. Oversee day-to-day retirement plan operations for all defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) plans, ensuring compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations. Field inquiries from employees, manage reporting requirements, and act as liaison with third party administrators. Gather data required for annual plan testing, contribution calculations, non-discrimination testing and Form 5500 filings for all health and welfare and retirement plans. Coordinate with vendors to ensure accurate and timely completion. Prepare annual benefit compliance filings, including annual EEO-1, ACA requirements, PBGC, PCORI and Medicare Part D, ensuring timely and accurate submission. Track and assess changes in laws and regulations affecting employee benefit and retirement plans to ensure ongoing compliance. Prepare and communicate the annual compliance schedule to the team, ensure all compliance items meet deadlines, and confirm and record completion for the annual review process. Coordinate completion of the annual retirement plan audits with auditors, providing necessary documentation to finalize reporting. Conduct audits of all benefit, retirement and payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance. Coordinate with the team to address gaps and ensure reporting meets firm needs. Oversee the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) process, including reviewing filings, coordinating with Benefits Committee counsel for approval, and managing communications with all involved parties throughout the process. Coordinate the Cash Balance plan distribution process, including working with the vendor to communicate options to terminated participants, managing payments for approved distributions, and distributing annual statements. Oversee annual benefit notice distributions, including coordinating necessary reviews for updating the notice for annual changes and preparing the final notice for distribution and posting. Support annual retirement plan budgeting, serve as backup for leave administration, and collaborate on benefit-related projects, education initiatives, and open enrollment activities. Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience working in retirement plan and/or health and welfare administration are required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Experience with federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, Section 125, Medicare, IRS, and DOL required. Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word required. Ability to analyze data using formulas and reporting tables is preferred. Strong analytical skills for reviewing and auditing procedures, reports, and benefits billing. Effective planning and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure. Exceptional client service, including clear communication, professional handling of challenging situations, adaptability, and collaboration in a team environment. Sound decision-making skills, including exercising judgment, explaining reasoning, involving appropriate individuals in the decision-making process, and making timely decisions. Ability to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and implement solutions to improve processes, ensure compliance and support firm goals. Accuracy and thoroughness, including applying feedback and monitoring work to ensure high standards. Flexibility and adaptability to changing work environments, managing competing demands, and adjusting approaches to meet unexpected challenges. FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status. FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, employee wellbeing and EAP programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit-sharing. Benefit offerings and eligibility vary by location and are subject to applicable plan terms and legal requirements. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. LI-hybrid

Keywords: FBT Gibbons LLP, Pearland , Benefits Compliance Specialist, Accounting, Auditing , Houston, Texas