Defined Benefit Specialist II or III

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. Click Here to review our Privacy Policy