Defined Contribution Reviewer

Karel-Gordon & Associates | A Strongpoint Partner

Based in Deerfield, Illinois, Karel-Gordon & Associates (KGA) is an industry leader in retirement plan design, consulting, and administration, specializing in customized retirement solutions tailored to each client's unique goals. With nearly 50 years of industry experience, KGA has built a reputation for technical expertise, exceptional client service, and long-standing relationships.

As an operating partner of Strongpoint Partners, KGA combines its specialized expertise with the resources and support of a growing national retirement services organization.

Position Summary

Karel-Gordon & Associates is seeking an experienced Defined Contribution Reviewer to join our growing team. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented retirement plan professional with extensive technical knowledge who enjoys solving complex compliance challenges, ensuring accuracy, and supporting the professional development of others.

In this position, you will be responsible for reviewing defined contribution plan administration, valuations, compliance testing, calculations, plan documents, and special projects to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance. You will work closely with Plan Administrators and in-house actuaries, including on defined contribution plans paired with Defined Benefit and Cash Balance plans in combination arrangements.

In addition to your review responsibilities, you will manage a small portfolio of retirement plan clients and serve as a trusted technical resource to colleagues, providing guidance, research, and training on complex retirement plan administration and compliance matters.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. KGA values integrity, flexibility, teamwork, and professional growth, and we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to delivering high-quality retirement plan solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Review defined contribution plan valuations, administration projects, and calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance, including contributions, allocations, vesting, and participant distributions.

• Review annual nondiscrimination and compliance testing, including ADP/ACP, top-heavy, 402(g), 415, 410(b), and 401(a)(4) testing, as well as cross-tested and combination plan designs.

• Review annual reports, participant disclosures, IRS Forms 5500 and 8955-SSA, regulatory filings, and client communications for accuracy and completeness.

• Research and provide technical guidance on complex ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor (DOL) compliance matters.

• Serve as a technical resource for Plan Administrators and other team members, assisting with questions related to plan administration, compliance, and plan design.

• Prepare and review retirement plan documents, including amendments, takeover and start-up documents, and plan restatements.

• Manage a small portfolio of retirement plan clients, overseeing administration activities and ensuring timely, accurate service.

• Collaborate with Plan Administrators, actuaries, Relationship Managers, New Business teams, and leadership to resolve technical issues and provide guidance and training.

• Monitor regulatory and legislative developments and assist with implementing updates to internal procedures and administrative practices.

• Support consistency, accuracy, and quality across retirement plan administration processes.

• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities, including industry webcasts and ASPPA coursework or examinations.

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in the retirement plan industry, preferably within a Third-Party Administration (TPA) environment, with significant experience in compliance review, full-cycle plan administration, and/or plan design.

• Strong working knowledge of 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans.

• Advanced understanding of ERISA regulations and applicable IRS and DOL requirements, including compliance testing and regulatory filings.

• Experience reviewing retirement plan documents and identifying opportunities for plan design improvements or compliance updates.

• Working knowledge of Datair retirement plan administration software preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to independently research and resolve complex technical issues while collaborating with colleagues when appropriate.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and regulatory deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to mentor colleagues and share technical knowledge.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

• ASPPA or other relevant industry credentials, such as QPA, QKA, or ERPA, are a plus.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $80,000–$95,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and relevant industry expertise.