And beyond ACA, there appeared to be a lack of alignment on the importance of long-term benefit strategies. That disconnect might hinder the organization’s ability to effectively manage the financial burdens of the changing benefits environment. Clearly, there is a significant opportunity to grow the relationship between HR and Finance and elevate it to a true strategic partnership. Improving benefits cost and compliance will require closer alignment and improved communication between Finance and HR. Technology’s Technology’s impact on today’s HR environment has yet to be fully realized, as HR and Finance look to new funding to better manage Role in benefits costs. HR executives don’t believe the issues they face with ACA reporting Managing and benefits administration are necessarily compounded by a lack of technology support. A majority of respondents, or nearly three-fourths Complex (73 percent), said their HR technology platforms meet current needs. Finance executives, however, were not so sure. Nearly half (49 percent) Benefits of finance participants say new or improved benefits administration systems are needed. Further, 79 percent would support funding new Needs technology to reduce benefits costs and 70% would supporting technology funding for ACA reporting. Research Report | Employee Benefits Barometer: SMB Perspectives and Priorities in an Era of Disruption 12