Retirement Operations Implementation Specialist

Alerus

Full-time

Remote

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The Retirement Operations Implementation Specialist I plays a crucial role in the setup and coordination of new retirement plans and the investment of transferred assets. This position requires a strong focus on maintaining retirement and recordkeeping knowledge, ensuring that all timelines are adhered to and effectively communicated. The specialist is responsible for accurately setting up plans across all systems, identifying and outlining any special administrative needs, and ensuring a smooth transition of plans to the permanent servicing teams. A client-focused approach is essential to deliver a superior experience for both internal and external clients. In the first job function, which accounts for 60% of the role, the specialist will execute the accurate and timely setup of plans and investments on the recordkeeping system. This involves collaborating with team members to gather plan details, importing and reconciling conversion data, and reviewing work to ensure accurate implementation of plan conversions. The specialist will also be responsible for escalating any conversion-related issues and ensuring that employer reports and participant statements are accurate and delivered on time. Recognizing and communicating any special plan needs to the permanent service team is vital for a successful transition. The second job function, which comprises 25% of the role, focuses on team support. The specialist will provide primary and backup coverage as needed, actively participate in meetings, and foster a positive work environment. This includes treating coworkers with professionalism and respect, celebrating team accomplishments, and contributing insights during team meetings. The specialist will also assist with team or company-wide projects and maintain written procedures in the Alerus procedure database. The final job function, accounting for 15% of the role, emphasizes professional and personal development. The specialist is expected to gain experience and knowledge of all systems and processes relevant to the position, maintain compliance knowledge of regulations, and pursue continuing education to enhance skills. Building solid working relationships with team members across the organization is also a key aspect of this role.

Responsibilities

• Execute accurate and timely plan and investments set-up on the recordkeeping system.
• Work with team members to obtain plan detail to import and reconcile conversion data accurately and timely.
• Review work to ensure plan conversion is accurately implemented.
• Responsible for appropriate escalation of conversion related issues and/or concerns.
• Ensure employer reports and participant statements are accurate and delivered timely after completion of plan conversion.
• Recognize and communicate special plan needs to permanent service team to ensure successful transition of the plan.
• Understand how the recordkeeping and ancillary systems operate and report information to effectively setup and transition new plans.
• Build subject matter expertise on retirement system processes and regulations.
• Provide primary and backup coverage, as needed.
• Actively participate in meetings for the company, department, and team.
• Foster a positive work environment and support coworkers in achievement of goals.
• Treat all coworkers with professionalism and respect.
• Recognize and celebrate individual/team accomplishments.
• Actively participate in team meetings by providing insight, contributions, and feedback.
• Assist with team or company-wide projects, as required.
• Update and maintain written procedures in Alerus procedure database.
• Gain experience and knowledge encompassing all systems and process that pertain to the position.
• Gain and maintain compliance knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Actively pursue continuing educations, reading, and self-development to enhance skills.
• Complete regulations, compliance, and additional training as assigned.
• Build solid working relationships with team members across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent related work experience.
• One or more years of experience in basic defined contribution plan administration or daily-defined contribution plan implementation.
• Familiarity with retirement and recordkeeping systems and recordkeeping operational functions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with employees and customers.
• Ability to effectively interact with end users and business sponsors.
• Efficient in Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and functions.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple assignments.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability.
• Proven record of working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Available to work flexible hours to meet daily schedules and cover peak workloads.

Nice-to-haves

• Persuasive, encouraging, and motivating personality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and coworkers.
• Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Reliable follow-through without supervision.
• Innovative thinker.
• Positive attitude and team motivator.
• High attention to detail.
• Exceptional organizational skills.