Defined Benefit Enrolled Actuary

Overview

This role performs and reviews actuarial valuations, compliance testing, plan design work, and regulatory filings for defined benefit and cash balance plans. The position partners with consultants to deliver accurate, timely, high-quality service to small-plan clients.

Responsibilities

• Complete, review, and certify annual funding valuations for defined benefit, cash balance, and DB/DC combination plans.
• Perform and review required compliance testing, including:
  • IRC Sections 401(a)(26), 401(a)(4), and 410(b)
  • Top-heavy testing
  • 404 deductibility testing
• Prepare complex plan-design proposals and cost studies aligned with client objectives.
• Review plan documents and amendments for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and review Schedule SB filings, AFTAP certifications, and Annual Funding Notices.
• Determine PBGC coverage and support annual premium filings.
• Perform plan-termination calculations and assist with termination and wind-down strategies.
• Apply IRC Section 415 limits and other applicable pension regulations.
• Use valuation software and Microsoft applications to complete actuarial analyses and deliverables.
• Collaborate with consultants to resolve technical issues and meet client needs.
• Communicate actuarial findings clearly to consultants and other stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge of pension laws, regulations, and professional requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, math, or a math-related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the pension industry.
• Enrolled Actuary designation (may consider an individual currently studying for their final exam).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical ability, and critical thinking.
• Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft and valuation applications; FT William preferred.
• Proficiency reviewing/certifying/completing annual funding valuations for both owner-only clients and plans with staff of less than 100 lives.
• Strong working knowledge of pension plan testing regulations, including the ability to review or perform (as needed):
  • annual 401(a)(26)
  • 401(a)(4)
  • 410(b)
  • top-heavy
  • 404 deductibility testing
• Experience running complex plan design proposals/cost studies targeting client objectives.
• Skill in reviewing plan documents and amendments.
• Knowledge of the requirements for PBGC-covered plans, including coverage determination, annual premium filings, and the complexities of the termination process.
• Experience completing/reviewing Schedule SB forms, AFTAPs, and Annual Funding Notices.
• Skill performing necessary plan termination calculations and assisting with wind-down strategy.
• Proficiency with IRC Section 415 requirements.
• Ability to integrate all of the above to support consultants in delivering high-quality service and meeting client needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $100,000 - $130,000 annually.
• Support to meet continuing education requirements and maintain Enrolled Actuary designation.
• Annual performance reviews and eligibility for compensation increases.
• Bonus opportunities, where applicable.
• Company-sponsored benefits for eligible full-time employees, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA), subject to eligibility
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities
• All benefits are subject to applicable plan terms, eligibility requirements, and organizational policies.

Location

• This position may be performed remotely or from the organization’s Chico or Sacramento, California office, based on business needs and the employee’s approved work arrangement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.