Defined Benefit Administrator/Enrolled Actuary

Job Description

Job Description

Defined Benefit Administrator / Enrolled Actuary

Department: Compliance
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Range: $100,000 – $130,000 annually
Location: Chico or Sacramento, CA / Remote

POSITION SUMMARY

The Defined Benefit Administrator / Enrolled Actuary is responsible for the administration, compliance, funding, and actuarial support of Defined Benefit (DB) retirement plans. This position manages complex plan calculations and regulatory requirements while serving as a technical resource to Consultants and other team members in support of exceptional client service.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced retirement plan professional and Enrolled Actuary with strong technical knowledge of Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Floor Offset, and Combined Plan arrangements. This role requires a high degree of accuracy, independent judgment, organization, and the ability to effectively manage complex work within established deadlines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Defined Benefit Plan Administration & Compliance

• Perform annual administration and compliance work for Defined Benefit retirement plans.
• Review and analyze plan documents to determine applicable administrative provisions and ensure plans are administered in accordance with plan terms.
• Determine participant eligibility, compensation, service, and other applicable plan provisions.
• Perform nondiscrimination, coverage, and related compliance testing, including IRC §410(b), Highly Compensated Employee (HCE), and Top-Heavy testing.
• Determine and verify participant vesting.
• Calculate annual employer contribution requirements and provide guidance regarding applicable funding and contribution limits.
• Prepare contribution letters and communicate required or recommended contribution amounts to the appropriate Consultant.
• Calculate participant benefits, including monthly benefit calculations, vesting calculations, and termination or distribution calculations.
• Monitor assigned plans for compliance with applicable deadlines and regulatory requirements.

Actuarial & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Prepare and sign Schedule SB filings and supporting actuarial packages.
• Prepare and/or review Adjusted Funding Target Attainment Percentage (AFTAP) certifications.
• Prepare Annual Funding Notices and applicable Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) filings.
• Prepare applicable FASB/accounting-related actuarial calculations and reports.
• Apply current IRS, Department of Labor (DOL), and PBGC regulations to plan administration and actuarial work.
• Research complex actuarial, compliance, and administrative issues and develop accurate, well-supported solutions.
• Maintain appropriate actuarial documentation and workpapers in accordance with Company procedures and applicable professional standards.

Plan Design & Consulting Support

• Prepare and analyze new plan design proposals for Defined Benefit and combination plan arrangements.
• Provide technical guidance to Consultants regarding plan design, funding strategies, contribution requirements, and compliance considerations.
• Identify plan administration or design issues and recommend solutions that support compliant and effective plan operation.
• Demonstrate full competency in the design, administration, and testing of Floor Offset and Combined Plan arrangements.
• Assist with the transition and administration of takeover plans, including review of prior plan information and identification of outstanding compliance or administrative matters.
• Enter and maintain applicable plan document provisions within Datair.
• Serve as a technical resource to Consultants and other internal team members on Defined Benefit and actuarial matters.

Workflow, Systems & Quality Management

• Coordinate assigned Defined Benefit compliance and actuarial workflow to ensure work is completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of completed and outstanding work within Company workflow, time-tracking, and administration systems, including WIP, Time Tracker, and APC Gold.
• Meet established internal turnaround times, productivity expectations, and quality standards.
• Review work for accuracy and completeness prior to finalization or delivery.
• Effectively prioritize multiple plans, projects, and deadlines, particularly during peak workload periods.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in individual and group discussions regarding departmental procedures, workflow, and process improvements.
• Assist with technical research, special projects, and implementation of regulatory or procedural changes.
• Provide training, technical assistance, and mentorship to colleagues as appropriate.
• Share technical knowledge and best practices to support the continued development of the Defined Benefit team.
• Maintain reliable and satisfactory attendance, with particular attention to peak workload periods and regulatory deadlines.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS Education, Credentials & Experience

• Active Enrolled Actuary (EA) designation required.
• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience administering Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans.
• Demonstrated ability to independently administer complex retirement plans with minimal supervision.
• Experience with Floor Offset and Combined Plan design, administration, and testing strongly preferred.
• Strong mathematical and analytical background supported by professional experience and/or relevant coursework.
• Experience working within a third-party administration (TPA), actuarial, retirement plan consulting, or similar environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of Defined Benefit retirement plan administration and actuarial concepts.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable IRS, DOL, ERISA, and PBGC regulations and requirements.
• Strong understanding of retirement plan compliance, funding, nondiscrimination, coverage, vesting, and benefit calculations.
• Ability to interpret complex plan documents, regulations, technical guidance, and actuarial information.
• Ability to research complex technical questions and develop accurate, detailed, and practical solutions.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and appropriately escalate complex issues.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to Consultants and other internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Proficiency with retirement plan administration and actuarial software, including the ability to understand and work with detailed system mechanics and calculations.
• Experience with Datair or similar retirement plan administration software preferred.
• Ability to meet established productivity, quality, and turnaround expectations.

PHYSICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Work is primarily performed in a professional office or remote work environment and may require:

• Sitting for prolonged periods while working at a computer.
• Frequent use of a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Periodic standing, walking, reaching, bending, crouching, or kneeling.
• Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling office materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Visual, hearing, mobility, and manual dexterity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK LOCATION

This position may be performed remotely or from the Company's Chico or Sacramento, California office , based on business needs and the employee's approved work arrangement.