Defined Benefit Consultant

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

Defined Benefit Consultant

  • Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
  • Full time
  • Opening on: Apr 3 2024
  • Remote
  • FuturePlan

FuturePlan is the nation’s largest third-party administrator (TPA) of retirement plans, partnering with advisors in all 50 states. FuturePlan delivers the best of both worlds: high-touch personalized service from local TPAs backed by the strength and security of a large national firm, Ascensus. Our roots go back decades, with nearly 30 outstanding legacy firms now joined together to deliver unmatched levels of service, innovation and expertise to a fast-growing client base from coast to coast. The FuturePlan team includes more than 500 credentialed plan professionals, 60 actuaries, and one of the industry’s largest in-house ERISA teams. Learn more at FuturePlan.com.

Job Description

Serve as a resource to plan sponsors and financial advisors for matters related to defined benefit and defined contribution ERISA compliance, plan design and governmental reporting. Use experience and knowledge to serve as a resource to internal associates. This position serves as the retirement plan expert on DC and DB plans on combined-plan testing, 5500, loans and distributions and understands plan design and can assist on plan operation and document updates.

Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide superior customer service, including problem solving with minimal inconvenience to clients
  • Provide effective and timely verbal and written communications in a clear, concise and informative written manner
  • Assist the client with all initial and ongoing plan design and document support
  • Assist the client in meeting all IRS and Department of Labor deadlines necessary for qualified retirement plan
  • Maintain up-to date knowledge of present legislation and proposed legislative changes with regard to ERISA law through self study and company-sponsored training sessions
  • Responsible for most all aspects of actuarial valuation reports, participant statements, Annual Funding Notice, and AFTAP preparation
  • Review or perform, as needed, the annual combined-plan testing for combo clients
  • Review benefit calculations and distribution paperwork
  • Review or prepare Form 5500, draft Schedule SB for actuary, and coordinate with plan sponsor to help ensure timely filing
  • Review or prepare annual PBGC premium  filings
  • Assist auditors if a plan is subject to an annual audit
  • Under the direction of leadership, assist IRS, DOL and PBGC auditors, if the plan is subject to an IRS, DOL or PBGC audit
  • Coordinate with all applicable parties, both internal and external, to ensure accurate takeover process for new clients including set up to match prior valuation
  • As applicable, work with Actuarial Analysts, Enrolled Actuaries, or independently to coordinate and oversee activities that will ensure timely and accurate completion of a large book of business
  • Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.
  • Our I-Client service philosophy and our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture.
  • Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned

Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years of ERISA defined benefit and defined contribution experience in the retirement industry
  • Experience in analysis of financial data required
  • Traditional Defined Benefit and Cash Balance Plan experience highly preferred.
  • Experience in ASC software desirable, but not required
  • Strong Word, Excel, and Outlook skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, manage tasks and meet in connection with business operations, including related ERISA compliance matters

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Be aware of employment fraud. All email communications from Ascensus or its hiring managers originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com email addresses. We will never ask you for payment or require you to purchase any equipment. If you are suspicious or unsure about validity of a job posting, we strongly encourage you to apply directly through our website.

For all virtual remote positions, in order to ensure associates can effectively perform their job duties with no distractions, we require an uninterrupted virtual work space and there is also an expectation of family care being in place during business hours. Additionally, there is an internet work speed requirement of 25 MBps or better for individual use. If more than one person is utilizing the same internet connection in the same household or building, then a stronger connection is required. If you are unsure of your internet speed, please check with your service provider. Note: For call center roles specifically, it is a requirement to either hardwire your equipment directly to the internet router or ensure your workstation is in close proximity to the router. Please ensure that you are able to meet these expectations before applying.


At Ascensus, we aspire to make a difference for others. We are a technology-enabled services company that helps people save for a better future through our network of institutional, financial advisor, and state partners. Our culture is guided by sound principles, is committed to high standards, operates with transparency, and welcomes diversity—housed within our Core Values: People Matter. Quality First. Integrity Always.®


Ascensus provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, criminal conviction record or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws (“Protected Status”).

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