What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Third-Party Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA) position at Kernutt Stokes?
Benefits:
Location: Oregon – Portland / Lake Oswego, Eugene, Bend, or Corvallis
Start Date: Targeted for June 1, 2026
Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid eligible based on location and experience
About The Role
Our Firm is seeking a Senior Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA) to join our growing retirement plan services team. This role is ideal for an experienced professional with 3–5 years of direct plan administration experience who is ready to build towards taking ownership of a client book, serve as a technical resource, and contribute to the continued growth and quality of our retirement services practice.
The Senior Retirement Plan Administrator will manage the day-to-day operations of complex qualified retirement plans, work directly with the Director of Retirement Plan Services, plan sponsors and advisors, and collaborate closely with internal tax, audit, and consulting teams.
Key Responsibilities
We are targeting a June 1, 2026, start date and will begin conversations with qualified candidates immediately.
Benefits:
Flexible work from home options available.
- 401(k)
- Company parties
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Free food & snacks
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Profit sharing
- Training & development
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness resources
Location: Oregon – Portland / Lake Oswego, Eugene, Bend, or Corvallis
Start Date: Targeted for June 1, 2026
Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid eligible based on location and experience
About The Role
Our Firm is seeking a Senior Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA) to join our growing retirement plan services team. This role is ideal for an experienced professional with 3–5 years of direct plan administration experience who is ready to build towards taking ownership of a client book, serve as a technical resource, and contribute to the continued growth and quality of our retirement services practice.
The Senior Retirement Plan Administrator will manage the day-to-day operations of complex qualified retirement plans, work directly with the Director of Retirement Plan Services, plan sponsors and advisors, and collaborate closely with internal tax, audit, and consulting teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently administer and assume increasing primary responsibility for a portfolio of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), profit sharing, and defined contribution plans
- Interpret plan documents and ensure ongoing IRS and DOL compliance
- Complete and review investment trust accounting for balance-forward retirement plans
- Determine and review participant eligibility and contribution allocation eligibility in accordance with plan provisions
- Complete and review plan contribution allocations, vesting updates, forfeiture determination, and distribution processing
- Perform and review annual compliance testing, including ADP/ACP, coverage, top-heavy, and nondiscrimination testing
- Prepare and review Form 5500s, schedules, and related disclosures
- Identify potential compliance or operational issues and escalate appropriately; assist with correction strategies including EPCRS where applicable
- Assist with plan terminations and EPCRS corrections
- Serve as a primary point of contact for client and advisor inquiries, providing accurate guidance and identifying compliance or plan design considerations
- Assist in coordination and preparation of plan amendments, restatements, and corrections
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior TPA staff
- Partner with internal teams on plan design and consulting opportunities
- Maintain strong documentation and workflow management
- 3–5 years of experience in third-party retirement plan administration
- Strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage plans independently
- Strong working knowledge of ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations
- Experience working directly with plan sponsors and advisors
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- ASPPA or NIPA credentials such as QKA or QPA strongly preferred
- Other relevant credentials (CPFA, CEBS) considered
- Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field preferred
- Experience with retirement document, compliance testing, and Form 5500 preparation software, (FT William strongly preferred)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications
- Established Oregon-based firm with a collaborative culture
- Diverse client base and growth opportunities
- Professional development and credential support
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
We are targeting a June 1, 2026, start date and will begin conversations with qualified candidates immediately.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Third Party Administration: 5 years (Required)
- ASPPA / NIPA credentials (QKA, QPA, ERPA) (Preferred)
Flexible work from home options available.