The Senior Plan Consultant provides document and ERISA compliance support to clients, and investment professionals and business line personnel who sell, market and service the 401(k)/403(b) retirement business. The Plan Consultant serves as a subject matter expert advisor on document, compliance and servicing issues, and independently advises and proposes changes regarding business policies, procedures and documentation. This position requires a solid knowledge of ERISA and the qualified plan rules under the Internal Revenue Code. Under minimal direction, the Plan Consultant reviews plan documents, identifies potential issues and recommends their resolution, and works through plan, product and service exceptions. The Plan Consultant must be able to interpret, apply and make sound judgment calls on provisions and compliance issues independently with very limited direction. The Senior PC supports all WI markets. Including TEM, and partners closely with the Legal, Implementation Project Management, Client Relationship Management, and Sales groups to ensure successful completion of Implementations, Corporate Actions, and Amendments.
-
Analyze prior plan documents by figuring out compatibility with Fidelity's Volume Submitter document, identifying IRC Section 411(d)(6) protected benefits, and ensuring that prior plan documents have been timely amended and updated for required law and regulation changes.
-
Review prior plan provisions as well as Fidelity services with Plan Sponsors and Key Purchasers to facilitate the selection of plan features.
-
Present sophisticated technical & non-technical issues to business partners for review and resolution.
-
Draft, negotiate, and finalize the creation of the Volume Submitter Adoption Agreement and Service Agreement
-
Conducts Plan Adoption Agreement and Service Agreement call, or in person when appropriate, with the plan sponsor and Investment Professional, including the review and discussion of various services available and applicability given the plan design; Positions “optimal” service configurations.
-
Lead the initial response to third party document inquiries, including extensive conversations with client’s legal counsel and consultants.
-
Participate in EMC meetings to drive resolution of document concerns.
-
Communicate within the department and to appropriate business partners related to project progress, issues, and accomplishments.
-
Support Sales and Client teams with prospect discussions and regulatory questions; Review prospective client plan documents.
-
Negotiate and review document exceptions to the Fidelity Volume Submitter document.
-
Negotiate service exceptions including modifications to the terms of the contract (Service Agreement) and Investment Management Agreement (IMA).
-
Signing authority for FMTC and Fidelity Workplace Services
-
Coach peers on the resolution of more complex document issues.
-
Mentor and train Plan Consultants
-
Conduct Peer reviews for new Plan Consultants and complex plan configurations
-
Lead process improvement initiatives and participate as SME in company wide initiatives
-
Requires 5-9 years of defined contribution retirement plan experience
-
Expert understanding of ERISA and regulatory issues especially related to 401(k)/403(b) plans.
-
College Degree or equivalent experience, advanced degrees a plus..
-
Strong understanding of contract negotiation processes
-
CPA, CEBS, ERPA, JD or ASPPA designation(s), a plus.
-
Possess an in-depth understanding of Volume Submitter/ IRS Preapproved documents
-
Ability to identify and communicate legal and regulatory issues
-
Strong PC skills; Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook
-
Full understanding of the 401(k)/403(b) industry and 401(k)/403(b) plans desired
-
Strong knowledge of Fidelity products, services, policies and procedures required
-
Ability to run multiple projects at one time, applying proper time management skills and using good judgment to resolve order of task completion
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Strong negotiation skills; ability to articulate a point of view in a compelling & succinct manner
-
Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment & handle large volume of work in a timely manner
-
Demonstrated problem solving and client management abilities
-
Possess the ability to comprehend and explain technical concepts