Defined Benefit Specialist II/III

September 24

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Nova 401(k) Associates

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Finance

Nova 401(k) Associates is a national third-party administration (TPA) firm that specializes in providing customized retirement plan design and compliance services to business owners and financial advisors. The company manages over 7,500 retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b), and Defined Benefit plans, representing more than $9 billion in retirement plan assets. Nova 401(k) Associates offers educational webinars, resources, and personalized consultations to aid in understanding and managing retirement plans. They are dedicated to effective communication and delivering quality services to their clients.

51 - 200 employees

💸 Finance

📋 Description

• Own end‑to‑end annual administration for a caseload of DB and cash balance plans; drive high‑quality technical deliverables and serve as a trusted resource for colleagues and clients • Prepare annual actuarial work including valuations and ASC 715 & 916 calculations; complete non‑discrimination testing, benefit certifications, and government filings (e.g., Form 5500 and PBGC comprehensive filings) • Code DB and DC plans from scratch in Nova’s third‑party actuarial software; review and improve coding for accuracy and efficiency • Perform and review benefit calculations (DB/CB) and assemble distribution packages for terminations; check owner‑only illustrations as needed • Conduct asset & liability analysis, identify gain/loss drivers, and communicate findings clearly to internal teams and clients • Prepare proposal illustrations for prospects with accurate assumptions and clear documentation • Lead the PBGC standard termination workstream for assigned plans: prepare Form 500, Schedule EA‑S, Notices of Plan Benefits (NOPB), and distribution packages within deadlines • Contribute to training and onboarding of new DB specialists; manage assignments through Nova’s project management processes • (DB Specialist III) Serve as a liaison between the DB team and the Combo Account Management team; triage and resolve escalations • (DB Specialist III) Review and sign off on deliverables prepared by Specialists/Analysts; drive quality control and process improvements • (DB Specialist III) Plan and execute complex plan terminations and unusual design or funding scenarios • (DB Specialist III) Mentor team members toward professional credentials and best practices in modeling, testing, and documentation

🎯 Requirements

• 5–10 years of hands‑on DB administration experience (cash balance a plus): valuations, ASC 715/916, testing, government filings, and benefit calculations • A positive attitude, strong energy, and team spirit, with the willingness to contribute to the team and communicate cheerfully with all team members • Demonstrated proficiency coding plans in third‑party actuarial software and critically reviewing numerical work product • Clear, concise written and verbal communication; proven ability to manage a dashboard of work and meet deadlines • Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical/problem‑solving mindset • Experience preparing PBGC standard termination packages (Form 500, EA‑S, NOPB) and managing to regulatory timelines • Strong command of 401(a)(4) nondiscrimination testing and related IRC regulations, with the ability to mentor staff on key concepts such as IRC 401(a)(4), 401(a)(26), 415, and similar provisions • ASPPA QKA and QPA (or strong progress) preferred • Exposure to proposal modeling/illustrations and client‑facing communication (preferred) • Process‑orientation and aptitude for training/mentoring junior staff (preferred) • Must work from USA and be authorized to work for any US employer

🏖️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, disability, life insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) with employer match • Work from home • We will supply all necessary computer equipment • 37.5-hour work week