Contract Compensation/Retirement Analyst II

Burnett Specialists; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnett Specialists in Houston is seeking a Compensation & Retirement Analyst II for a contract role onsite. Pay rate is $45.00/hour with a 36.5-hour workweek and a contract through December 31, 2026.

The position focuses on retirement plan administration, compensation support, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 3–4 years of related experience, strong Excel skills, and knowledge of 401(k) plan compliance and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on retirement plan administration, compensation, or benefits experience.
• Strong analytical skills with complex data.
• Proficient in Excel; experience with HRIS and vendor systems.
• Familiarity with 401(k) administration, compliance, and audits.

Responsibilities

• Administer retirement benefit programs (401(k), SIMPLE IRA, exec deferrals).
• Coordinate with vendors, payroll, HRIS, auditors for accurate, compliant administration.
• Assist with 401(k) testing, audits, reconciliations and filings.
• Analyze complex financial/benefits data (funding, contributions, loans).
• Resolve discrepancies and answer employee benefit inquiries.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

HRIS experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS systems

Benefits vendor systems

401(k) admin software

Job description

Location: Houston, TX (Onsite) Pay Rate: $45.00/hour Schedule: 36.5 hours per week Contract Length: ASAP START - December 31, 2026

Are you a detail-oriented compensation and benefits professional with a knack for analyzing data, navigating retirement plans, and keeping complex processes running smoothly? We are seeking an experienced Compensation & Retirement Analyst II for a contract opportunity in Houston! This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with financial data, retirement plan administration, compliance, and cross-functional teams while taking ownership of projects and identifying opportunities to improve processes.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Administer and support retirement benefit programs, including 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, and executive deferred compensation plans.
• Coordinate with retirement plan vendors, auditors, payroll, HRIS, and internal departments to ensure accurate administration and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with 401(k) plan testing, annual audits, financial reconciliations, and required filings.
• Analyze complex financial and benefits data, including plan funding, employee contributions, loans, and deferred compensation.
• Research, troubleshoot, and resolve retirement plan discrepancies and employee benefit inquiries.
• Support compensation administration, including job evaluations, salary recommendations, market research, and benchmarking.
• Lead assigned projects from planning through completion, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and vendor relationships.
• Develop and coordinate employee communications, educational materials, and presentations related to compensation and retirement programs.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and establish consistent departmental procedures.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree and 3-4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Hands-on experience with retirement plan administration, compensation, or employee benefits.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with complex financial and benefits data.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience working with HRIS and benefits vendor systems.
• Knowledge of 401(k) administration, retirement plan compliance, reconciliations, and audit processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage projects, work with vendors, and resolve complex issues.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) credentials are a plus.

Additional Details:

Onsite position in Houston, TX. Approximately 36.5 hours per week.