401(k) Administrator
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and client-focused 401(k) Plan Administrator to join their Third-Party Administration (TPA) team. This individual will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of qualified retirement plans, ensuring compliance with IRS and ERISA regulations while delivering exceptional service to plan sponsors, financial advisors, and participants.
The ideal candidate will have experience administering defined contribution retirement plans, strong technical knowledge of compliance testing and regulatory requirements, and the ability to manage multiple client relationships in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer a caseload of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), Profit Sharing, Safe Harbor, and Cross-Tested plans.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for plan sponsors, financial advisors, CPAs, and other stakeholders.
- Perform annual compliance testing, including ADP/ACP, top-heavy, coverage, nondiscrimination, and contribution testing.
- Prepare and review annual valuations, participant allocation calculations, and employer contribution determinations.
- Complete and file Forms 5500, including schedules and supporting documentation.
- Review plan documents and amendments to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Monitor plan operations for compliance with IRS, DOL, and ERISA requirements.
- Consult with clients regarding plan design, contribution strategies, and corrective action recommendations.
- Coordinate distributions, loans, hardships, terminations, and required minimum distributions (RMDs).
- Work closely with recordkeepers, auditors, payroll providers, and investment advisors to resolve operational issues.
- Maintain accurate client records and ensure timely completion of annual administration deadlines.
- Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes affecting qualified retirement plans.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 2+ years of retirement plan administration experience with a TPA, recordkeeper, consulting firm, or financial services organization.
- Knowledge of ERISA, IRS qualification requirements, and defined contribution retirement plans.
- Experience performing compliance testing and annual plan administration functions.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and retirement plan administration software.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and manage a diverse client portfolio.
Preferred
- ASPPA credentials (QKA, QKC, TGPC, or CPC).
- Experience with Relius, ASC, DATAIR, PensionPro, or similar administration platforms.
- Exposure to cash balance or defined benefit plans.
- Experience preparing Form 5500 filings.
What Makes a Candidate Stand Out
- Demonstrated success managing a book of 40-75 retirement plan clients independently.
- Advanced knowledge of complex plan design strategies, including Safe Harbor, New Comparability, and Cross-Tested plans.
- ASPPA credential(s) in progress or completed.
- Strong client-facing consulting skills with the ability to explain technical retirement plan concepts to business owners and executives.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Annual performance bonus opportunity
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and ASPPA certification support
- Hybrid or remote work flexibility (where applicable)
This role offers an excellent opportunity for a retirement plan professional who enjoys combining technical expertise with client relationship management while supporting employers in maintaining compliant and effective retirement benefit programs.
FAQs
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