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.