Senior Retirement Plan Specialist

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you.

We invite you to view the opportunity below.

The Senior Retirement Plan Specialist will provide customer service to internal and external clients and their employees. Support one or more relationship managers with the goal of client retention and growing the book of business. This support includes analyzing and interpreting plan documents to determine terms, responsibilities, and duties of Associated Trust Company in order to service the retirement plans. Work with clients and Relationship Managers to ensure adherence to standards and regulatory requirements. Day-to-day liaison with internal and external clients to gather information, solve problems by providing solutions, handle inquiries and provide superior customer service concerning the administration of assigned accounts. Responsible for managing the client service expectations by being accessible and responsive to the client and keeping them advised of deadlines and updates. Function as the "in-house" relationship manager when the manager is out of the office.

This person will also:

• Coordinate aspects of plan administration including but not limited to analyzing and interpreting plan documents to determine terms, responsibilities, and duties of Associated Trust Company in order to service the retirement plans. Review financial statements, fee invoices, contribution and loan delinquency reporting, compliance testing, regulatory reporting and other account maintenance for completeness and accuracy of both qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. Perform ongoing Trust account maintenance while adhering to compliance guidelines. This may include complex documentation required for participants and/or annual administrative reviews required under Reg 9 as promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

• Work with Relationship Managers to ensure the plan administration, operations and risk management of each client relationship is in compliance with established Associated Banc-Corp policy, procedure and business strategy as well as policies, laws and regulatory guidelines.

• Day-to-day liaison with ERISA Compliance Officer, Trust Operations, Retirement Plan Support Services, Relationship Managers, external clients and plan participants to gather information, solve problems by providing solutions and provide document interpretation, handle inquiries, and provide superior customer service concerning the administration of assigned accounts. Handle participant and plan sponsor inquiries in the absence of the Relationship Manager or re-direct questions as appropriate.

• Understand IRS regulations, policies, and codes for distributions from Plans. Handle exception processing, such as complicated distributions, in-kind payouts, loans and hardship withdrawals.

• Confer with external clients and their auditors regarding retirement plan allocations, loan delinquencies, Domestic Relations Orders, 5500s and regulatory compliance matters on a regular basis.

• Seek to identify existing operational and participant accounting automation solutions enhancements that will benefit the client and internal parties.

• Work with Relationship Managers to ensure the plan administration, operations and risk management of each client relationship is in compliance with established Associated Banc-Corp credit policy, procedure and business strategy as well as policies, laws and regulatory guidelines.

• Coordinate client open enrollment period. Ensure appropriate enrollment data is provided and client enrollment material has accurate plan design features.

• Keep informed on new developments, policies and laws concerning retirement plan services, trust planning and administration that affect plan document requirements, including possible required plan document amendments.

• Participate in training of new colleagues engaged in the Retirement Plan Services Specialist Role.

• Support more complex aspects of the onboarding of new clients or de-converting existing plans from an administration perspective.

Education

• Associate's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Required

Experience

• 2-5 years Business/financial services experience in a retirement plan services environment. Required

Licenses and Certifications

• ASPAA designated licensure within 2 years. Preferred

• CEBS-Certified Employee Benefit