Compliance Consultant

Newport, an Ascensus company, helps employers offer their associates a more secure financial future through retirement plans, insurance and consulting services. Newport offers comprehensive plan solutions and consulting expertise to plan sponsors and the advisors who serve them. As a provider and partner, Newport is independent, experienced, and responsive.

JOB SUMMARY:   Performs compliance testing, testing review, document support and government forms preparation and review for highly complex retirement plan clients. Ensures that assigned plans remain tax qualified by meeting all IRS and DOL reporting and testing requirements. Also includes reporting on all accounting and financial activity for the plan. May provide technical training.

Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Prepares and/or reviews non-discrimination tests, top heavy tests, coverage tests, 415 annual addition tests on the largest and/or most technically complex plans - includes New Comparability plans, Multiple Employer Plan and “high profile” plans as well as additional compliance testing that must be done such as 401(a)4.   May also perform and/or review more complex contribution calculations.
• Ensures that assigned plans remain tax qualified by meeting all IRS and DOL reporting and testing requirements which includes reporting on all accounting and financial activity for the plan. 
• Maintains client database and enters changes into recordkeeping software.  Completes testing and ensures quality control audit is performed. 
• Submits financial reports and Form 5500 package for review, correction, approval and submission to client and governing agency. 
• Allocates employer profit sharing, matching and/or money purchase pension contributions based upon plan provisions and submit to plan sponsor for approval.  
• Works with administration team to produce distributions or allocations of contributions or forfeitures based upon client approval. Ensures deadlines are identified and met.
• Reviews legal plan document and all employee data and determines participant eligibility.
• Reconciles and/or reviews all financial activity and prepares government forms for the largest and most technically complex plans.  
• Consults on, recommends and implements resolutions to client issues, satisfaction, response and any other items necessary to assure customer loyalty. 
• Maintains current awareness and understanding of legislative changes, IRS rulings, and expert opinions related to the processing of retirement plans.
• Research new issues to determine their impact on plan qualification status and communicates with supervisor on daily processing issues.
• Serves as technical expert to compliance analysts and provides resolutions to support business.
• Coordinates year end processing issues with Relationship Managers/Client Service Managers. Also assists with any client calls.
• Leads process improvement projects deemed necessary after annual review of internal procedures by Compliance Manager incorporating any upcoming tax law updates.
• Assists in the training of new processes.
• Writes reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; effectively presents information and responds to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Assists less experienced Compliance Analysts with day-to-day functions.
• Performs other duties, as assigned, that are related to the essential operation of the department.   
• Applies advanced mathematical concepts utilizing current spreadsheet and accounting database software programs as well as completes detailed financial reconciliations and data analysis.
• Utilizes technical skills and available tools to solve compliance issues.
• Consistently meets and/or exceeds performance expectations with the ability to work under pressure in a very fast paced environment
• Focuses on learning in everyday activities and events
• Collaborates with and openly shares knowledge with colleagues
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance

Management Responsibilities: None

Required Education, Experience and Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• 8 years of progressive plan experience in third party administration environment required.
• Successful completion of the ASPPA (RPF-1 & RPF-2 exams) designation and demonstrates knowledge in areas of controlled groups, cross testing, catch-up contributions and other current technical topics.
• Advanced knowledge of retirement plan tax lawn (ERISA) including Revenue Code section 401(a)(4), 416, 414(b), (c), (m), (n), as well as others.
• Strong MS Office skills to include Excel.

Preferred (but not required) education or skills for this role are

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or industry experience.
• QKA designation a plus.
• ASC preferred.

Competencies

• Independent
• Diplomatic
• Creative Problem Solver
• Integrity
• Analytical Thinker
• Resourceful
• Team Player
• Utilizes Sound Judgment
• Results Driven
• Thoroughness
• Exhibits Personal Credibility
• Written and Oral Communication Skills
• Client Service Focused

TRAVEL: Less than 5%.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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