Description

Assist sales team with design and communication of technical ERISA aspects of Cash Balance, Defined Benefit, and Defined Contribution plans. Produce and present projections for new business proposals based on input from prospects and sales consultants. This position should be able to explain Defined Benefit and Cash Balance funding strategies, PBGC and non-PBGC plans, limits and minimums, plan adoptions, and any new legislation.

Essential Responsibilities:
Job Function 1: Plan Design Consultation and Sales Support - 60%

• Utilize analytical software to review employee census data, existing 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan documents, and ownership data to design a Defined Benefit, Cash Balance, and/or 401(k)/Profit Sharing plan that fulfills the client’s desires and objective while also complying with all the various limitations, coverage, and nondiscrimination testing requirements found in ERISA. These include, but are not limited to, benefit limitations of IRC 415, coverage requirements of IRC 410, nondiscrimination testing of IRC 401(a)(4), compensation limits of IRC 414, minimum benefits of IRC 401(a)(26), deduction rules of IRC 404, and all accompanying regulations.
• Assist with product descriptions to prospects, CPAs, attorneys, doctors, and financial advisors, the key and salient features of Cash Balance, Defined Benefit, 401(k), and 403(b) plans for employers of all types, public and private. Including how retirement plans impact compensation, self-employment income, and business deductions.
• Ensure software and presentation materials are updated to reflect any newly passed legislation or COLI increases.
• For take over plans, obtain all necessary existing plan documents, amendments, valuations, and census data to complete the Takeover Plan Specifications form for the implementation team.
• For new plans, obtain a signed CB/DB final illustration and complete the Plan Specifications form. Verify previous plan year census data run a final test. Complete the actuarial work necessary for the New Plan implementation process.
• Complete the actuarial work necessary for the implementation process.

Job Function 2: Cash Balance and Defined Benefit Actuarial Support - 30%

• Address all aspects of qualified retirement plan administration for assigned cash balance and
  traditional defined benefit plans, in particular on plans with more complex plan design.
• Understand and interpret plan documents and contract provisions. Apply experience and
  judgement to situational problem resolution. Work with Manager and/or Retirement Business
  Advisor or Retirement Specialist (RBA/RS) as needed.
• Identify and implement changes and/or amendments needed to plan documents to address
  client needs and/or resolve client requests.
• Monitor receipt of client’s census information to prioritize completion of annual reporting
  requirements.
• Ensure timely completion of 415 limit calculations, top-heavy calculations, annual 5500
  reporting, PBGC premium filings, participant benefit distributions including relative value
  computations, ASC 715 and 960 calculations and reports including settlements and curtailments
  as needed.
• Coordinate and assist administrators with timely completion of discrimination compliance testing.
• Provide input and guidance to colleagues assigned to administration for both a 401(k) and cash balance or defined benefit plan.
• Develop and maintain cash balance and defined benefit plan procedures and processes to
  ensure consistency in the administration.
• Provide internal training as needed to the Alerus sales and administration staff.

Job Function 3: Leadership and Engagement - 10%

• Actively engage in the success of ARB and Alerus, promoting and supporting new and ongoing initiatives
  with positive active team involvement resulting in a successful outcome.
• Participate in projects to improve the products and services offered by ARB, including project groups tasked with developing enhanced procedures or policies.
• Participate in meetings for the company, department, and administration unit.
• Treat all clients and co-workers with professionalism.
• Support and promote communication within the service team through direct communication, Salesforce and other available tools as needed in order to build strong internal relationships.
• Actively support the use of Salesforce by documenting pertinent communications with clients and others as applicable.
  Recognize and celebrate individual/team accomplishments.
• Provide training and support to analysts and less experienced account administrators. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience as an enrolled actuary approved by the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries in Active Status.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in complex defined benefit plan administration such as cash.
  balance plans, traditional defined benefit plans, and other unique plan designs.
• Member of American Academy of Actuaries, Society of Actuaries and/or the American Society
  of Pension Professionals & Actuaries.
• Ability to perform all aspects of retirement plan compliance testing and allocations with
  minimal review.
• Possess ASPPA’s MSEA certification or equivalent.
• Excellent written/oral communication, organization, and client service skills required.
• Maintain professional working relationships with internal and external clients.
• Work independently and set priorities.
• Interpret documents and resolve technical problems.
• Available to work overtime to cover peak workloads and other business needs.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and basic knowledge of Microsoft Word.

Personal Characteristics:

• Effective communication skills, winsome personality, and the ability to explain complex subjects in laymen’s terms
• Demonstrated leadership abilities as part of a team.
• Demonstrated relational skills such as diplomacy, judgment, decision making, and discretion.
• Demonstrated critical thinking abilities.
• Initiative, creativity, and energetic active engagement in all work responsibilities.
• Multi-task, prioritize workflow of self and others and coordinate activity as an effective team member to meet deadlines and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Established communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated professional business skills and demeanor.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and problem solve complex situations. Apply judgment with respect to high level business impact and risk.
• Proven ability to work with detailed technical knowledge of all types of retirement plans.

Physical Demands - Must be met with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Extended periods of time sitting at a desk and using office equipment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer/laptop for approximately 8 hours per day.
• Extended time is spent reviewing physical and electronic documents.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Periodically, may also do light lifting of supplies and materials which weighs in at approximately 20 lbs.
• Will spend most of time in an indoor environment.

Alerus Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.