ESOP Payment Specialist II

Transition Finance Strategies • Charlottesville, VA

16d • Remote

About The Position

Where Technical Expertise Meets Purpose-Driven Impact Use your ESOP knowledge to help employees across the country build financial independence. At Blue Ridge Associates, we don’t just administer retirement plans — we help people build lasting financial security . Through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and 401(k) services, we empower employees across the country to take ownership of their financial futures. We’re proud to be one of the top ESOP administration firms in the nation, serving a diverse range of companies that believe in sharing success with their people. That’s Where You Come in as an ESOP Payment Specialist II We are seeking a seasoned and detail-oriented retirement plan professional to join our ESOP Payments Team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of ESOP benefit distributions. The ideal candidate brings experience with ESOP or 401(k) distribution operations, including handling beneficiary payments, forceouts, QDROs, and interpreting plan documents. You will be trusted with reviewing complex distribution scenarios, providing guidance to junior team members, and serving as a resource on best practices in distribution compliance.

Requirements

• Direct experience with processing plan distributions, including: o Beneficiary payments o QDROs o Forceouts o Interpretation of plan documents
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); intermediate Excel skills required.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication; professional phone and email etiquette.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with defined contribution plan (401(k) experience required; ESOP experience highly preferred).

Nice To Haves

• Experience reviewing or training others on distribution work is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end distribution process for ESOP plans, including: o Participant communications o Distribution form preparation o Opening and closing payment windows o Processing check reissues
• Review distribution work completed by peers and provide constructive feedback.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on participant elections and payment batches.
• Read and interpret plan documents and amendments to ensure distribution rules are applied accurately.
• Resolve complex distribution scenarios, including: o Beneficiary payments o Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) o Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) o Forceouts and forfeiture rules
• Collaborate with compliance and plan consulting teams to resolve nuanced payment issues.
• Respond to participant inquiries with professionalism, clarity, and accuracy.
• Support ongoing process improvements and assist with internal documentation.

Benefits

• Remote-first work culture with in-office options (VA, MD, OH, IL, CA, MN)
• Competitive salary & comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
• 401(k) with company match + HSA with contribution
• Generous PTO for parental leave, vacation and holiday time
• Support for certifications, association dues, and professional growth
• Company culture built on community: happy hours, social events, committee opportunities, and volunteer opportunities to make a difference

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree