Defined Benefit Consultant

FuturePlan is the nation’s largest third-party administrator (TPA) of retirement plans, partnering with advisors in all 50 states. FuturePlan delivers the best of both worlds: high-touch personalized service from local TPAs backed by the strength and security of a large national firm, Ascensus. Our roots go back decades, with nearly 30 outstanding legacy firms now joined together to deliver unmatched levels of service, innovation and expertise to a fast-growing client base from coast to coast. The FuturePlan team includes more than 500 credentialed plan professionals, 60 actuaries, and one of the industry’s largest in-house ERISA teams. Learn more at FuturePlan.com.

Job Summary:

Serve as a resource to plan sponsors and financial advisors for matters related to defined benefit and defined contribution ERISA compliance, plan design and governmental reporting. This position serves as the retirement plan expert on DC and DB plans on testing, 5500, loans and distributions and comprehends plan design and can assist on plan operation and document updates. A Defined Benefit Pension Consultant is able to handle client meetings both in person and via phone.

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide exceptional customer service, including problem solving with minimal inconvenience to clients

Provide effective and timely verbal and written communications in a clear, concise and informative written manner

Assist the client with all initial and ongoing plan design and document support

Assist the client in meeting all IRS and Department of Labor deadlines necessary for qualified retirement plan

Maintain up-to date knowledge of present legislation and proposed legislative changes with regard to ERISA law through self study and company-sponsored training sessions

Accountable for most all aspects of actuarial valuation reports, participant statements, Annual Funding Notice, and AFTAP preparation

Review or perform, as needed, the annual testing for plans, including ADP/ACP, Top Heavy, 410(b), 415, 401(a)(4), 401(a)(26), deductibility, and 402(g)

Prepare benefit calculations and review distribution paperwork

Review loan paperwork and coordinate processing of loans with asset holder

Review or prepare Form 5500, draft Schedule SB for actuary, and coordinate with plan sponsor to help ensure timely filing

Review or prepare annual PBGC premium filings

Assist in preparation of PBGC termination filings

Assist auditors if a plan is subject to an annual audit

Under the direction of management, assist IRS, DOL and PBGC auditors, if the plan is subject to an IRS, DOL or PBGC audit

Coordinate with all applicable parties, both internal and external, to ensure accurate takeover process for new clients including set up to match prior valuation

As applicable, work with Actuarial Analysts, Enrolled Actuaries, or solely to coordinate and oversee activities that will ensure timely and accurate completion of a large book of business

Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.

Our I-Client service philosophy and our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture.

Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned

Section 3: Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

Bachelors degree required. Math related degree preferred.

Minimum 6 years of ERISA defined benefit and defined contribution experience in the retirement industry

Experience in evaluation of financial data required

Cash Balance Plan experience highly preferred.

QPA, QKA, CPC and / or actuarial exam progress preferred

Experience in ASC software desirable, but not required

Strong Word, Excel, and Outlook skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong evaluation and problem solving skills

Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, manage tasks and meet in conjunction with business operations, including related ERISA compliance matters

Be aware of employment fraud. All email communications from Ascensus or its hiring managers originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com email addresses. We will never ask you for payment or require you to purchase any equipment. If you are suspicious or unsure about validity of a job posting, we strongly encourage you to apply directly through our website.

Ascensus provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, criminal conviction record or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws (“Protected Status”).