Retirement Plan Compliance Analyst III

At The Standard, you’ll join a team focused on putting our customers first.

Our continued success is driven by a high-performance culture. We’re looking for people who are collaborative, accountable, creative, agile and are driven by a passion for doing what’s right – across the company and in our local communities.

We offer a caring culture where you can make a real difference, every day.
 
Ready to reach your highest potential? Let’s work together.

Job Summary

Using analytical, organizational and communication skills, this position is responsible for providing high level financial, contract and/or administrative analysis, preparation and review of client deliverables, while primarily managing all compliance related activities for defined contribution plans including preparation of contribution allocations, non-discrimination and compliance testing, census requests, required minimum distributions and required government filings.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• 60% Research and perform data analysis regarding various aspects of defined contribution retirement plans by reviewing and interpreting plan financial and census data, plan documents, ERISA guidance and regulations, in order to monitor and ensure legal compliance of plans, respond to questions from customer plan representatives, sales consultants and co-workers regarding various aspects of day-to-day plan administration, perform annual non-discrimination testing for plans with varying levels of complexity, prepare annual government filings and respond to auditor questions regarding plan compliance.  Act as an expert resource and escalation point for defined contribution procedures and pension regulations.  Review, analyze and evaluate plan documents and amendments for completeness, accuracy and conformation to systems and administrative requirements.

• 20% Communicate with account management clearly and concisely to identify and describe changes and that affect the plans testing and provide potential solutions.  Provide research and analytical support to account management in responding to auditor questions during audit season.

• 10% Research, analyze, interpret, and resolve complex testing and compliance questions and or issues and provide expert advice to management on creative problem resolution, such as contribution allocation formulas (including cross tested formulas) and unique testing correction methods.

• 10% Serve as a subject matter expert in complex topics relating to retirement plan administration and participate in or lead training events, carry out major assignments and provide feedback to influence future trainings related to short term and long term business objectives. Review work completed by co-workers on an as needed basis; provide detailed feedback to assure accurate plan administration and client satisfaction

• Participate in training events, carry out major assignments, and provide feedback to influence future trainings related to short term and long-term business objectives.

Skills and Background You’ll Need

• 5+ years of experience in defined contribution plan administration responsibilities, including allocation completion, document interpretation, asset reconciliation, and customer contact, or the equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience.

• Hands on compliance/non-discrimination testing of retirement plans

• Previous experience with form 5500 preparation

• Deep knowledge of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the impacts on employee benefit plans.

• Education & Experience:  Bachelor's degree in related field; or the equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience.

• Ability to work extended hours during any peak season.

Key Behaviors of a Successful Candidate

• Use critical thinking and analysis to cull information from multiple sources including financial statements and participant census data.  Read, review and analyze data for accuracy and prepare plans for compliance testing, as well as unique and complex contribution allocations/validations and Form 5500 preparation.

• Perform all required non-discrimination testing for qualified retirement plans, with medium to high complex provisions and business structures, following plan document provisions and applying appropriate governmental regulations, including any pertinent legislative changes. 

• Pursue American Society of Pension professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) classes related to the Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) designation or higher with the goal of continuous learning and building knowledge.

• Business Acumen:  Research and perform data analysis regarding various aspects of retirement plans by reviewing and interpreting plan financial and census data, plan documents, ERISA guidance and regulations, in order to monitor and ensure legal compliance of plans, respond to questions from customer plan representatives, sales consultants and co-workers regarding various aspects of day-to-day plan administration, perform annual compliance testing for customer plans, perform annual government filings and respond to auditor questions regarding plan compliance.  Act as an expert resource for defined contribution procedures and pension regulations.  Review, analyze and evaluate plan documents and amendments for completeness, accuracy and conformation to systems and administrative requirements.

• Use critical thinking and independent discretion in identifying and performing testing methods that may deviate from established processes that provide the most beneficial results for our clients.

Why Join the Standard?

We have built an enduring legacy of stability, innovation and financial strength thanks to the contributions of the talented, creative and compassionate people who choose to work at The Standard. To ensure we can attract and retain the best talent, when you join The Standard you can expect:

• A rich benefits package including a 401(k) plan with matching company contributions

• An annual incentive bonus plan 

• Generous paid time off

• A supportive and responsive management approach

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement  

• Paid time off to volunteer 

• An employee giving program that double matches your donations to eligible nonprofits and schools

• Much more!

#LI-REMOTE

Please note - the salary range for this role is listed below. In addition to salary, our package includes incentive plan participation and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits, as well as an initial PTO accrual of 164 hours per year. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays and 2 wellness days per year.

• Eligibility to participate in an incentive program is subject to the rules governing the program and plan. Any award depends on various factors, including individual and organizational performance.

Salary Range:

Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Equities, Inc. and StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., marketed as The Standard, are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status or any other condition protected by federal, state or local law. The Standard offers a drug and alcohol free work environment where possession, manufacture, transfer, offer, use of or being impaired by an illegal substance while on Standard property, or in other cases which the company believes might affect operations, safety or reputation of the company is prohibited. The Standard requires a criminal background investigation, employment, education and licensing verification as a condition of employment. All employees of The Standard must be bondable.