Defined Benefit Enrolled Actuary

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Defined Benefit Enrolled Actuary based in the United States.

Join a collaborative retirement plan consulting team dedicated to delivering accurate, compliant, and customized pension solutions to employers across the United States. In this role, you will lead and review actuarial valuations, compliance testing, regulatory filings, and plan design strategies for defined benefit and cash balance plans. You will work closely with consultants to support small-plan clients, including owner-only businesses and employers with fewer than 100 participants. Your technical expertise will help clients navigate complex pension regulations while ensuring high-quality administration and service. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to diverse retirement plan arrangements, including traditional defined benefit, cash balance, and combined defined benefit and defined contribution plans. You will join an experienced, client-focused team that values technical excellence, accountability, and professional development. The role can be performed remotely or from an approved office location in California, depending on business needs.

Accountabilities:

As a Defined Benefit Enrolled Actuary, you will oversee actuarial analysis, regulatory compliance, and retirement plan design while collaborating with consultants to deliver reliable, client-focused solutions.

• Complete, review, and certify annual funding valuations for defined benefit, cash balance, and combined defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Perform and review compliance testing under IRC Sections 401(a)(26), 401(a)(4), 410(b), top-heavy rules, and Section 404 deductibility requirements.
• Develop complex plan design proposals and cost studies tailored to client objectives and retirement plan needs.
• Review plan documents and amendments to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Prepare and review Schedule SB filings, AFTAP certifications, and Annual Funding Notices.
• Determine Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) coverage requirements and support annual premium filings.
• Perform plan termination calculations and assist with termination procedures and wind-down strategies.
• Apply IRC Section 415 limits and other relevant pension regulations to actuarial calculations and plan administration.
• Use actuarial valuation software and Microsoft applications to prepare, review, and deliver accurate analyses.
• Partner with consultants to resolve technical challenges, address client requirements, and maintain service quality.
• Communicate actuarial findings and recommendations clearly to consultants and other stakeholders.
• Stay current with evolving pension legislation, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is an experienced pension professional with strong actuarial expertise, in-depth knowledge of defined benefit plan regulations, and the ability to support consultants in serving small-plan clients effectively.

• Bachelor's degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• At least five years of experience in the pension industry.
• Enrolled Actuary designation; candidates preparing for their final qualifying examination may also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience completing, reviewing, and certifying annual funding valuations for owner-only plans and plans with fewer than 100 participants.
• Strong working knowledge of annual pension compliance testing, including IRC Sections 401(a)(26), 401(a)(4), 410(b), top-heavy rules, and Section 404 deductibility testing.
• Experience developing complex plan design proposals and cost studies aligned with client objectives.
• Ability to review plan documents and amendments for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of PBGC requirements, including coverage determinations, annual premium filings, and plan termination procedures.
• Experience preparing and reviewing Schedule SB forms, AFTAP certifications, and Annual Funding Notices.
• Proven ability to perform plan termination calculations and support appropriate wind-down strategies.
• Proficiency in applying IRC Section 415 limits and related pension regulations.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and actuarial valuation software; FT William experience is preferred.
• Ability to integrate technical knowledge, regulatory expertise, and sound judgment to support consultants and meet client needs.

Benefits:

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $130,000.
• Bonus opportunities, where applicable.
• Support for continuing education and maintenance of the Enrolled Actuary designation.
• Annual performance reviews and eligibility for compensation increases.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees.
• Health Savings Account (HSA), subject to eligibility.
• Life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements, with remote work or an approved office-based arrangement in Chico or Sacramento, California, depending on business needs.