We are hiring a Defined Benefit Specialist II or III (depending on experience). As a Defined Benefit Specialist II or III, you will 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. Senior (III) team members additionally lead complex projects, mentor Specialists, and act as day‑to‑day client leads for key plans.
Nova 401(k) Associates is a rapidly growing national firm providing administrative and actuarial services to companies sponsoring 401(k), pension, and other qualified retirement plans. We are a vibrant third‑party administrator (TPA) with a nationally recognized sales team, continuous growth, and clear advancement opportunities for our professionals. We get it. We listen. We communicate.
Responsibilities (for DB Specialist II or III):
- 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
Additional scope for DB Specialist III:
- Serve as a liaison between the DB team and the Combo Account Management team within Nova; triage and resolve escalations
- Review and sign off (as appropriate) on deliverables prepared by Specialists/Analysts; drive quality control and process improvements
- Plan and execute complex plan terminations (including PBGC filings and participant communications) and unusual design or funding scenarios
- Mentor team members toward professional credentials (e.g., QKA/QPA) and best practices in modeling, testing, and documentation
Qualifications:
- 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.
Preferred:
- ASPPA QKA and QPA (or strong progress), with ongoing commitment to professional development.
- Exposure to proposal modeling/illustrations and client‑facing communication.
- Process‑orientation and aptitude for training/mentoring junior staff.
Work Location/Hours:
- Work from home
- Must work from USA and be authorized to work for any US employer
- We will supply all necessary computer equipment
- 37.5-hour work week
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $70,000 – $100,000 (based on experience and level)
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, disability, life insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) with employer match
We get it. We listen. We communicate.
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What We Do
Nova 401(k) Associates provides third party administration services for 401(k) plans and actuarial services for defined benefit and cash balance plans. In this dog-eat-dog world, we give clients and financial advisors the resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and run retirement plans successfully.
At Nova 401(k) Associates, we understand your 401(k) plan is a small part of your business. And while your 401(k) plan may seem like a little detail, if you either don’t structure your plan correctly or aren’t proactive in managing it, your 401(k) plan can become a big headache. We fully understand the ins and outs of the 401(k) industry, so we don’t waste your time or money when it comes to creating an efficient 401(k) plan.
The best way for us to serve our clients, is to understand their business. It’s the only way we can tell you what you need to know. Our account managers are skilled at listening to clients and asking the right questions to get to the client’s real goals, issues and problems, so that we can correctly consult without making inaccurate assumptions.
When it comes to 401(k) plan expertise, we cut through the clutter and spare you the information overload. Our account managers are critical thinkers and understand the importance of clear, consistent communication. They talk to our clients and partners in a language they understand. At Nova 401(k) Associates, we offer actionable solutions instead of theoretical approaches
