Actuary – Cash Balance Plans, Retirement Plans

Alerus

Cash Balance Actuary assisting in technical ERISA aspects of retirement plans at Alerus. Managing new and existing clients while providing internal training for staff.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeRemote • Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $120,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Defined Benefit and Cash Balance plan administration, including compliance testing and regulatory filings, while effectively managing client relationships and providing training to staff. Proficient in utilizing analytical software for data review and plan design, ensuring adherence to ERISA requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Defined Benefit Plan AdministrationCash Balance Plan DesignRetirement Plan Compliance TestingMSEA CertificationClient Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Defined Contribution Plan AdministrationComplex Plan DesignData AnalysisRegulatory FilingsCompliance TestingValuation PreparationAnalytical Software ProficiencyCross Testing AllocationsAttention to DetailProject Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsClient Service SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsAbility to Work Independently

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft ExcelAnalytical Software

Certifications & Qualifications

MSEA CertificationMember of American Academy of ActuariesSociety of Actuaries MembershipAmerican Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries Membership

Industry Keywords

ERISA CompliancePBGC PlansNondiscrimination TestingPlan AdoptionAnnual Reporting Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist sales team with design and communication of technical ERISA aspects of Cash Balance, Defined Benefit, and Defined Contribution plans
Produce and present projections for new business proposals based on input from prospects and sales consultants
Explain Defined Benefit and Cash Balance funding strategies, PBGC and non-PBGC plans, limits and minimums, plan adoptions, and any new legislation
Manage a book of existing and newly implemented clients, including data review, testing, valuation preparation, and required government and regulatory filings
Utilize analytical software to review employee census data, existing 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan documents, and ownership data to design a Defined Benefit, Cash Balance, and/or 401(k)/Profit Sharing plan that fulfills the client’s desires and objective while also complying with all the various limitations, coverage, and nondiscrimination testing requirements found in ERISA
Identify and implement changes and/or amendments needed to plan documents to address client needs and/or resolve client requests
Monitor receipt of client’s census information to prioritize completion of annual reporting requirements
Coordinate and assist administrators with timely completion of discrimination compliance testing
Provide input and guidance to colleagues assigned to administration for both a 401(k) and cash balance or defined benefit plan
Provide internal training to Alerus Sales and Administration Staff

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience as an enrolled actuary approved by the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries in Active Status
10+ years of experience in complex defined contribution plan administration such as non-qualified plans, cross testing allocations, and other unique plan designs
Member of American Academy of Actuaries, Society of Actuaries and/or the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries
Possess ASPPA’s MSEA certification or equivalent
Ability to perform all aspects of retirement plan compliance testing and allocations with minimal review
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written/oral communication, organization, and client service skills required
Maintain professional working relationships with internal and external clients
Work independently and set priorities
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings
Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave
Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities
Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services
Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity