Defined Benefit Specialist II/III

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Job 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
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