Job Description
Plan Termination Specialist-Remote
Position Title: Plan Termination Specialist
* Remote (Open to U.S.-based candidates outside of Pacific Time Zone; workday begins at 7:00am ET with flexibility for other time zones)
Position Overview:
Our client, a highly respected retirement consulting and third-party administration firm, is seeking an experienced Plan Termination Specialist to manage the full lifecycle of employer-sponsored retirement plan terminations. This role serves as the subject matter expert on termination procedures and regulatory compliance, ensuring accurate, timely, and seamless execution for plan sponsors and participants. The ideal candidate brings strong, defined contribution plan administration experience, hands-on testing expertise, and a desire to help streamline and improve termination processes within a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of defined contribution plan terminations from planning through final asset distribution.
- Develop and manage termination timelines, communications, and execution strategy.
- Ensure compliance with IRS, DOL, and ERISA regulations, including proper filing of required forms (e.g., final Form 5500, Form 1099-R).
- Prepare, review, and submit required documentation and regulatory reports.
- Educate plan sponsors on termination steps and participant distribution options.
- Coordinate distribution of plan assets, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Collaborate with recordkeepers, compliance teams, document teams, finance, legal counsel, and third-party vendors.
- Address and resolve participant and sponsor concerns during the termination process.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and client experience.
- Occasionally, perform plan testing as needed.
Qualifications & Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in defined contribution retirement plan administration (A–Z experience preferred).
- Direct experience handling 401(k) plan terminations.
- Experience managing a broad range of plan sizes, from small plans to large audit-sized plans.
- Hands-on testing experience required.
- Experience with new comparability/cross-tested plans.
- Experience working across multiple recordkeeping platforms.
- Experience using FTW and Pension Pro preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Communications, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Professional certifications such as QKA, APA, or ASPPA/NIPA membership preferred.
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of defined contribution retirement plans and regulatory requirements.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- High attention to detail and deadline-driven mindset.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage a book of business independently (plans under 100 participants).
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative, process-improvement mindset.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Employer contributions toward health premiums.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Life insurance and supplemental insurance options.
- Safe Harbor retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Paid holidays and generous PTO.
- Professional membership dues and certification support.
- Company-provided equipment and remote work infrastructure.
- Strong culture of collaboration, professional development, and long-term growth.
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